BattlefieldsBattle of Ferrybridge (1461 AD)
Medieval

Battle of Ferrybridge (1461 AD)

1461
West Riding, England
Also known as: Skirmish at Ferrybridge · Ferrybridge 1461
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Registered · BOE30
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Yorkists (initial); Lancastrians (overall)
Forces
c. 1,500–2,500 Lancastrians (bridge & approach skirmish)
VS
Victor
Lancastrians (initial skirmish); Yorkists (overall)
Forces
c. 2,000–3,500 Yorkists
Outcome
Yorkist vanguard under Fitzwalter attacked and driven back; Lord Clifford outflanked
The Battle

History & Significance

The day before Towton, Lancastrian forces held the bridge over the Aire at Ferrybridge and ambushed the Yorkist vanguard under Lord Fitzwalter, who was killed. Edward IV sent Fauconberg to find a ford upstream, outflanking the position. Lord Clifford was killed covering the Lancastrian retreat. The skirmish was a prelude to the main battle and gave both sides a foretaste of the savage fighting that would follow.

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: BOE30.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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