BattlefieldsSiege of Sandal Castle (1460)
Medieval

Siege of Sandal Castle (1460)

1460
West Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Sandal Castle 1460
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
West Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Yorkists
Forces
c. 2,000–3,500 Yorkists (castle siege)
VS
Victor
Lancastrians (siege context)
Forces
c. 6,000–10,000 Lancastrians
Outcome
Richard Duke of York sortied from Sandal and was killed at Wakefield
The Battle

History & Significance

Sandal Castle was Richard Duke of York's base in late 1460 when the Lancastrian northern army closed around him. The decision to leave the comparative safety of the castle and give battle — for reasons still debated — led directly to the Battle of Wakefield and Richard's death. The castle itself became synonymous with one of the most catastrophic Yorkist decisions of the entire war.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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