BattlefieldsBattle of Hedgeley Moor (1464)
Medieval

Battle of Hedgeley Moor (1464)

1464
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Hedgeley Moor
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Registered · EHB36
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland)
Forces
Lancastrian remnants
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Lord Montagu)
Forces
c.5,000-8,000 each side; Yorkists (Montagu)
Outcome
Yorkist victory; Northumberland killed; Lancastrian force scattered
The Battle

History & Significance

The first of two 1464 Northumberland battles that extinguished the last Lancastrian field force in England. Montagu was escorting Scottish ambassadors for a peace conference when intercepted by Lancastrian lords. Sir Ralph Percy — who had changed sides repeatedly — made a last stand alone after the rest fled and was killed. His reputed dying words "I have saved the bird in my bosom" referred to his Lancastrian loyalty. Hedgeley Moor broke the last coherent Lancastrian military presence in northern England.

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: EHB36.

Questions & Answers

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