BattlefieldsSecond Battle of St Albans (1461)
Medieval

Second Battle of St Albans (1461)

1461
Hertfordshire, England
Also known as: Battle of St Albans 1461
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hertfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Yorkists (Warwick)
Forces
Yorkists c.9,000. Margaret's northern army decisively outflanked Warwick's prepared position.
VS
Victor
Lancastrians (Margaret of Anjou / Andrew Trollope)
Forces
Lancastrians c.15,000
Outcome
Warwick defeated; Henry VI rescued from Yorkist custody; London gates shut against Margaret
The Battle

History & Significance

Margaret of Anjou's finest hour — and Warwick's worst. Her northern army outflanked Warwick's elaborate prepared defences and routed him. Henry VI was found sitting under an oak tree with two knights who had been sworn to protect him. The victory was complete, yet Margaret could not follow through: London refused to open its gates to her "northerners," fearing pillage. Edward of March raced south, entered London, and was proclaimed king.

Casualties & Losses

Several Yorkist lords killed or captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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