BattlefieldsFirst Battle of St Albans
Medieval

First Battle of St Albans

1455
Hertfordshire, England
Also known as: St Albans 1455 · First St Albans
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hertfordshire, England
Status
Registered · BAT-68
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians
Forces
Lancastrians: c.2,000–3,000. First Wars of Roses engagement.
VS
Victor
Yorkists
Forces
Yorkists: c.3,000–4,000
Outcome
Yorkist victory; Somerset killed in the streets of St Albans
The Battle

History & Significance

The opening engagement of the Wars of the Roses where Richard Duke of York killed the Duke of Somerset and temporarily seized control of Henry VI.

Casualties & Losses

c.60 killed including Somerset, Northumberland, and Clifford

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: BAT-68.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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