BattlefieldsSiege of Alnwick Castle — Lancastrian Third Garrison 1462
Medieval

Siege of Alnwick Castle — Lancastrian Third Garrison 1462

1462–1463
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Alnwick third siege 1462 · Lancastrian resistance in Northumberland
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
York
Forces
Lancastrian (Scottish relief) c. 800–1,500.
VS
Victor
Indecisive / Scottish relief
Forces
Yorkist c. 1,500–2,500
Outcome
Alnwick held for Lancaster; Scottish relief force under Angus approached; Yorkists withdrew allowing garrison to march out
The Battle

History & Significance

Alnwick Castle was besieged and relieved multiple times between 1461 and 1464 as Lancastrian resistance centred on Northumberland. The extraordinary winter siege of 1462-1463 saw Edward IV's army suffering terribly in the cold while the garrison held out. A Scottish relief force under the Earl of Angus approached; Edward could not fight both the garrison and the Scots simultaneously and withdrew, allowing the Lancastrian garrison to march out with full honours. It was a significant Lancastrian diplomatic and military success.

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