BattlefieldsBattle of Losecoat Field — Empingham 1470
Medieval

Battle of Losecoat Field — Empingham 1470

1470
Rutland, England
Also known as: Battle of Empingham 1470 · Lose-coat Field Rutland
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Rutland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lincolnshire rebels under Sir Robert Welles
VS
Victor
Edward IV (Yorkists)
Outcome
Rebel army routed; rebels threw off their coats to flee faster; Welles captured and executed
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Losecoat Field (Empingham) ended the Lincolnshire rebellion of 1470, which Warwick and Clarence had covertly encouraged. Edward IV marched north rapidly and engaged Sir Robert Welles\'s rebel force near Empingham in Rutland. The rebels were routed so completely that they discarded their livery coats to flee unidentified — giving the battle its name. Evidence captured on the field implicated Warwick and Clarence, forcing both into exile in France. The battle directly precipitated the readeption of Henry VI.

Casualties & Losses

Estimated hundreds of rebels killed in the rout

Forces Involved

Royal: Edward IV with household cavalry and levies c.6,000. Rebel: Lincolnshire levies under Welles c.10,000-30,000

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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