BattlefieldsFirst Battle of St Albans (1455)
Medieval

First Battle of St Albans (1455)

1455
Hertfordshire, England
Also known as: First St Albans 1455 · Wars of the Roses begins
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hertfordshire, England
Status
Registered · EHB12
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Henry VI)
Forces
Lancastrians: c.2,500–4,000. Opening Wars of Roses battle.
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Richard Duke of York)
Forces
Yorkists: c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Lancastrian nobles killed including Somerset; Henry VI wounded and captured; York took control of government
The Battle

History & Significance

The First Battle of St Albans is conventionally the opening battle of the Wars of the Roses. York's army attacked the royal army in the streets of St Albans; the fighting was brief but decisive. The Duke of Somerset — York's great enemy — was killed outside the Castle Inn. Henry VI was wounded and captured; York became Protector again. The battle set the pattern for the dynastic conflict that would last thirty years.

Casualties & Losses

Somerset, Northumberland and Clifford killed; hundreds of casualties

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: EHB12.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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