Paternal Family Tree: Anjou aka Plantagenet
Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Pipard Baroness Lisle 1323-1375
1455 First Battle of St Albans
1460 June Yorkist Landing at Sandwich
29th March 1461 Battle of Towton
Before 9th September 1427 Thomas Ros 8th Baron Ros Helmsley [aged 19] and [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Baroness Ros Helmsley. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick [aged 45] and [his grandmother] Elizabeth Berkeley Countess Warwick. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
In or before 1432 [his father] Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 25] and [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 23] were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick [aged 49] and [his grandmother] Elizabeth Berkeley Countess Warwick. He the son of John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset and Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence [aged 46]. They were third cousin once removed. He a great grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
On 26th January 1436 Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset was born to [his father] Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 30] and [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 27]. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.
In August 1441 [his father] Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 35] was created 1st Earl Dorset. [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 32] by marriage Countess Dorset. The date possibly 1441.
In 1442 [his father] Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 36] was created 1st Marquess Dorset. [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 33] by marriage Marchioness Dorset.
On 30th May 1444 [his uncle] John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 41] committed suicide. Suicide not certain but likely. Duke Somerset, Earl Kendal extinct. His brother [his father] Edmund [aged 38] succeeded 4th Earl Somerset. [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 35] by marriage Countess Somerset.
His only child Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond aged one was his heir. King Henry VI of England and II of France [aged 22] granted her wardship to William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 47] who married her to his son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk [aged 1].
On 31st March 1448 [his father] Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 42] was created 1st Duke Somerset. He is sometimes referred to as the 2nd Duke Somerset since his brother [his uncle] John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset was the 1st Duke Somerset of the first creation. Edmund didn't inherit the Dukedom from his brother; it was a new creation. His did inherit the Earldom.
The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Before 1455 [his half-brother] Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley [aged 27] and [his sister-in-law] Philippa Tiptoft Baroness Ros of Helmsley [aged 31] were married. She by marriage Baroness Ros Helmsley. He the son of Thomas Ros 8th Baron Ros Helmsley and [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 46]. They were third cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
In January 1455 [his father] Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 49] was appointed Captain of Calais.
On 22nd May 1455 the Wars of the Roses commenced with the First Battle of St Albans. Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York [aged 43] commanded with Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 26], Richard Neville Earl Salisbury [aged 55], Edward Brooke 6th Baron Cobham [aged 40] and Walter Strickland [aged 44].
The Lancastrians...
Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 49] was killed. His son Henry [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Duke Somerset, 2nd Marquess Dorset, 5th Earl Somerset, 2nd Earl Dorset. Note his father is frequently incorrectly referred to as the second Duke and Henry as the third Duke. His father's Dukedom, however, was a new creation.
Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland [aged 62] was killed. His son Henry [aged 33] succeeded 3rd Earl of Northumberland, 6th Baron Percy of Alnwick, 14th Baron Percy of Topcliffe. Eleanor Poynings Countess Northumberland [aged 33] by marriage Countess of Northumberland.
Thomas Clifford 8th Baron Clifford [aged 41] was killed. His son John [aged 20] succeeded 9th Baron de Clifford, 9th Lord Skipton. Margaret Bromflete Baroness Clifford [aged 21] by marriage Baroness de Clifford.
William Cotton [aged 45] and Richard Fortescue [aged 41] were killed.
Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham [aged 52] was wounded and captured.
King Henry VI of England and II of France [aged 33], John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley [aged 54] and Edmund Sutton [aged 30] were captured.
Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset was wounded. James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [aged 34] and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 55] fought.
Richard Cotton of Hampstall Ridware [aged 51] and his son William Cotton of Connington in Huntingdonshire [aged 27] were killed.
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In December 1456 John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu [aged 25] attacked by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 20] at Cheapside [Map].
Before 1458 [his brother-in-law] William Botreaux 3rd Baron Botreaux [aged 68] and [his half-sister] Margaret Ros Baroness Botreaux Baroness Burgh [aged 27] were married. She by marriage Baroness Botreaux. The difference in their ages was 40 years. She the daughter of Thomas Ros 8th Baron Ros Helmsley and [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 49].
Chronicle of St Albans by Abbot John Whethamstede [-1465]. [1458]. "Also, for the great and certain reasons moving us, and for the establishment, nurturing, and continuation of complete harmony, union, and love among all the aforementioned parties, we praise, ordain, and judge that our said kinsman, Richard, Duke of York [aged 46], shall give to our said kinsmen, [his mother] Eleanor, Duchess of Somerset [aged 49], and Henry, Duke of Somerset [aged 21], his son, five thousand marks, from such assignments as shall be good and sufficient, of the debts owed to us by our said kinsman, the Duke of York, for his wages in Ireland, to be distributed by our advice among them and among the brothers and sisters of the said Duke of Somerset; and that all such lawful actions, which shall be accepted for the lifting of the said assignments in their names, for whom, or for which, they are lifted or assigned, shall be advocated and maintained by them, and no exoneration shall be made of them without their agreement, to whom they were released."
Item, propter magnas et certas causas nos moventes, et propter stabilitionem, nutritionem, ac continuationem, integræ concordiæ, unionis, et dilectionis, inter omnes partes prædictas, laudamus, ordinamus, et judicamus, quod dictus noster consanguineus, Ricardus, Eboraci Dux, dabit dictis nostris consanguineis, Alianoræ, Ducissæ Somercetriæ, et Henrico, Duci Somercetriæ, filio suo, quinque millia marcarum, de talibus assignationibus, quæ erunt bonæ et sufficientes, de debitis quæ debentur per nos dicto nostro consanguineo, Duci Eboraci, pro vadiis suis Hiberniæ, distribuenda per nostrum avisiamentum inter ipsos, et inter fratres et sorores ejusdem Ducis Somercetriæ; et quod omnes tales actiones legitimæ, quæ erunt acceptæ pro levatione dictarum assignationum in nominibus ipsorum, pro quibus, vel pro quo, sunt levatæ vel assignatæ, sint per ipsos advocatæ et manutentæ, et nulla exoneratio fiat illarum, sine aggreamento ipsorum, quibus erant liberatae.
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On 25th March 1458 at Westminster Hall [Map] King Henry VI [aged 36] made a great speech [See Chronicle of St Albans] the purpose of which was to ensure future peace in his Kingdom. Some were required to pay fines in recomponse for deaths at the First Battle of St Albans some three years before, some prisoners were released, some were bound to good behaviour, and future arbitration.
After the speech King Henry VI, Queen Margaret [aged 28], John "Butcher" Clifford 9th Baron Clifford [aged 22], Richard Neville Earl Salisbury [aged 58], Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 29], Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 22], Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York [aged 46], Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [aged 36] and Thomas Percy 1st Baron Egremont [aged 35] processed, hand-in-hand to St Paul's Cathedral [Map] and attended a service presided over by Cardinal Thomas Bourchier [aged 40].
Chronicle of Gregory. 25th March 1458. Ande this same year at Covyntre there was made a pesse [Note. peace] by-twyne the Duke of Somersett Harry [aged 22], and the Earl of Saulysbury [aged 58], and the Erle of Warwycke [aged 29], for the dethe of his fadyr [his father] Duke of Somersette, that the Duke of Yorke [aged 46] put to dethe at Synt Albonys. And this tretys was made at Covyntre, in the holy tyme of Lentyn, by the mene of Kyng Harry the VI. And alle that holy tyme of Lentyn there might noo mane man that shulde preche by-fore the King, but that he shulde shewe his sarmon in wrytyng, were he docter or other, in so moche the lordys woldys A B C wolde assygne what he schulde say, as for any thynge that longyd unto the common wele, and yf he passyd her commaundement he schulde lese his costys, and goo as he come, withowte mete and drynge. But a becheler of holy devynyte come to that cytte, and whenn he come to preche byfore the kyng, as Maystyr Wylliam Saye, Dene of Poulys and Dene of the kyngys chapylle, hadde desyryd and asygnyd, A B C axyd his name, and his name was Mayster Wylliam Ive, at that tyme beyng at Wynchester in Wycham is college. And A B C said that they moste nedys se his sarmon and his purposse, that he was a vysyd to say by-fore the King the Sonday nexte comynge. And he full goodly toke them his papyr; and they seyng and redynge his papyr, commaundyd to leve out and put a way many troughtys. But that same Mayster Wylliam Ive said but lytylle, but whenn he come to pulpyt he sparyd not to sayd the troughthe, and reportyd by-fore the kyng that A B C made the sarmonys that were said fore, and not thoo that prechyd, and that causyd that þe men that prechyd hadde but sympylle sarmons, for her purposse was alle turnyde upsodowne 3 and that they hadde made love days as Judas made whythe a cosseb with Cryste for they cyste ovyr the mane. The grete rewarde that he hadde for his labyr was the rydyng of viij xx myle yn and out for his travayle, and alle his frendys full sory for hym. But qui veritatem dicit caput fractum habebit, &c. And that same year alle thes lordys departyd from the Parlyment, but they come nevyr alle togedyr after that tyme to noo Parlyment nor conselle, but yf it were in fylde with spere and schylde.
Note b. kiss.
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Around April 1458 [his brother-in-law] James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [aged 37] and [his sister] Eleanor Beaufort Countess Ormonde [aged 26] were married. She by marriage Countess Ormonde. She the daughter of [his father] Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset and [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 49]. He the son of James "White Earl" Butler 4th Earl Ormonde and Joan Beauchamp Countess Ormonde. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.
Chronicle of Gregory. 1459. Also alle that seson the Erle of Warwyke [aged 30] with sowdyers of Calysse were comynge unto the Duke of Yorke [aged 47], and he come ovyr-wharte Colsylle be-syde Covyntre, and the Duke of Somerset [aged 22] whythe his men rode a-longe thoroughe the towne, and yet non of them mette whythe othyr as it happyd, or by lyckely hode they wold have made a newe fraye. Ande the same day Androwe Throllope consayvyd [Note. conceived] that the Erle of Warwyke was goyng unto the Duke of Yorke and not unto the King, and utterly forsoke him and come unto the King and was pardonyd; and that made the duke full sore a-frayde when he wyste that some olde soudyers went from him unto the King, &c.
After November 1459 Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 23] was appointed Captain of Calais.
In 1460 [his illegitimate son] Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester was born illegitimately to Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 23] and Joan Hill [aged 48]. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England.
The History of William Marshal was commissioned by his son shortly after William’s death in 1219 to celebrate the Marshal’s remarkable life; it is an authentic, contemporary voice. The manuscript was discovered in 1861 by French historian Paul Meyer. Meyer published the manuscript in its original Anglo-French in 1891 in two books. This book is a line by line translation of the first of Meyer’s books; lines 1-10152. Book 1 of the History begins in 1139 and ends in 1194. It describes the events of the Anarchy, the role of William’s father John, John’s marriages, William’s childhood, his role as a hostage at the siege of Newbury, his injury and imprisonment in Poitou where he met Eleanor of Aquitaine and his life as a knight errant. It continues with the accusation against him of an improper relationship with Margaret, wife of Henry the Young King, his exile, and return, the death of Henry the Young King, the rebellion of Richard, the future King Richard I, war with France, the death of King Henry II, and the capture of King Richard, and the rebellion of John, the future King John. It ends with the release of King Richard and the death of John Marshal.
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Chronicle of Gregory. After 14th January 1460. Ande Duke Harry of Somerset [aged 23] was i-commaundyd to goo to Gyon, and soo he dyd, and full manly made sautys to Calys, ande ranne byfore Calys almoste dayly, and many a men were hurte by him and his men.
Patent Rolls. Membrane 13d. 23rd May 1460. Commission to Osbert Mountford and John Baker, esquires, ordered, Coventry, by advice of the council, to bring 200 men at arms and archers to Henry, duke of Somerset [aged 24], for the safe keeping and defence of the castle and town of Guysnes and to resist the king's rebels and enemies, appointing them to arrest ships and vessels necessary herein and masters and mariners therefor.
Commission to Thomas Thorp, Thomas Kiriell [aged 64], knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Broun, knight, Henry Lowes, esquire, John Scot and Robert Home, to take the muster of the said Osbert Mountfort and John Baker and the said men at arms, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery.
Chronicle of Gregory. Then the Quene [aged 30] havynge knowelechynge of this praty whyle sche sende unto the Duke of Somersett [aged 24], at that tyme beynge in Dorset schyre at the Castelle of Corffe [Map], and for the Erle of Devyschyre [aged 28], and for Elysaundyr Hody, and prayde them to com to her as hastely as they might, with her tenantys as strong in her harnys as men of warre, for the [his half-brother] Lord Rosse [aged 33], the Lord Clyfforde [aged 25], the Baron of Grestocke [aged 46], the Lord Nevyle [aged 50], the Lord Latymer [aged 53], were waytyng a-pon the Duke of Excete[r] [aged 30] to mete with her at Hulle [Map]. And this mater was not taryd but full prevely i-wrought; and she sende letters unto alle her ehyffe offycers that they wold doo the same, and that they shulde warne alle the servantys that lovyd her or purposyd to kepe and rejoyse her of Yysce, to wayte a-pon her at Hulle by that day as hit a-poyntyd by hyr. Alle thes pepylle were gaderyd and conveyde so prevely that they wer hole in nombyr of xvM [Note. 15000] or any man wolde be-leve it; in so moche yf any man said, or tolde, or talkyd of suche gaderyng, he shulde be schende, and some were in grete donger, for the common pepylle said by thoo that told the, troughthe, "Ye talke ryght ye wolde hit were," and gave noo credens of her sayynge. But the laste the lordys purposyd to knowe the troughthe. And the ix day of December [1460] nexte folowyng the Duke of Yorke [aged 49], the Erle of Salysbury [aged 60], the Erle Rutlond [aged 17] (he was the Duke of Yorke is secunde sone, one the beste dysposyd lord in this londe), and Syr Thomas Haryngdon [aged 60], whythe many mo knyghtys and quyers and grete pepylle with hem, and soo departyd out of London towarde Yorke, &c.
On 30th December 1460 the Lancastrian army took their revenge for the defeats of the First Battle of St Albans and the Battle of Northampton at the Battle of Wakefield near Sandal Castle [Map]. The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter [aged 30], Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 24] and Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [aged 39], and included John Courtenay 7th or 15th Earl Devon [aged 25] and William Gascoigne XIII [aged 30], both knighted, and [his brother-in-law] James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [aged 40], John "Butcher" Clifford 9th Baron Clifford [aged 25], John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby [aged 50], [his half-brother] Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley [aged 33], Henry Roos and Thomas St Leger [aged 20].
The Yorkist army was heavily defeated.
Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York [aged 49] was killed. His son Edward [aged 18] succeeded 4th Duke York, 7th Earl March, 9th Earl of Ulster, 3rd Earl Cambridge, 9th Baron Mortimer of Wigmore.
Thomas Neville [aged 30], and Edward Bourchier were killed.
Father and son Thomas Harrington [aged 60] and John Harrington [aged 36] were killed, the former dying of his wounds the day after.
William Bonville 6th Baron Harington [aged 18] was killed. His daughter Cecily succeeded 7th Baroness Harington.
Thomas Parr [aged 53] fought in the Yorkist army.
Following the battle Richard Neville Earl Salisbury [aged 60] was beheaded by Thomas "Bastard of Exeter" Holland. William Bonville [aged 40] was executed.
Edmund York 1st Earl of Rutland [aged 17] was killed on Wakefield Bridge [Map] by John "Butcher" Clifford. Earl of Rutland extinct.
Chronicle of Gregory. 30th December 1460. Ande the same year, the xxx [30] day of December, the Duke of Exceter [aged 30], the Duke of Somersett [aged 24], the Erle of Northehomberlond [aged 39], the [his half-brother] Lord Roos [aged 33], the Lord Nevyle [aged 50], the Lord ClyfForde [aged 25], with many mo lordys, knyghtys, squyers, and gentyllys, and the commyns of the Quenys party, met with the Duke of Yorke [aged 49] at Wakefylde [Map], and there they made a grete jorney a-pon the lord and Duke of Yorke, and toke him and the Erle of Saulysbury [aged 60], the Erle of Rutlond [aged 17], and the Lord Haryngdon [aged 18], and Syr Thomas Nevyle [aged 30], and Syr Thomas Haryngdon [aged 60], and many mo knyghtys were take a slayne by syde alle the comyns. But this good Duke of Yorke with his lordys a-fore said loste her heddys; God have marcy on there soulys, for they loste in that jorneys the nombyr of xxvc [2500] men. And in the Quenys party were slay but ii c [200] men, &c.
Chronicle of William of Worcester. On the 29th of December1, at Wakefield, while the soldiers of the Duke of York [aged 49] were wandering through the country seeking provisions, a dreadful battle occurred between the said Duke of Somerset [aged 24], the Earl of Northumberland [aged 39], and Lord Neville [aged 50] with a large army, and the opposing party, where the Duke of York, Thomas Neville [aged 30], son of the Earl of Salisbury [aged 60], Thomas Harington [aged 60], Thomas Parr, Edward Bourchier, James Pickering, and Henry Radford, as well as many other knights and esquires, and about two thousand commoners, were killed on the field. In the retreat after the battle, Lord Clifford killed, some say murdered, Lord Edmund, Earl of Rutland [aged 17], son of the Duke of York, on the bridge at Wakefield [Map]. And on the same night, the Earl of Salisbury was captured by the servant of Andrew Trollope. On the next day, at Pontefract, the Bastard of Exeter killed the said Earl of Salisbury, where, by the counsel of the lords, the lifeless bodies of the Duke of York, the Earl of Salisbury, and Rutland, Thomas Neville, Edward Bowcher, Thomas Harington, Thomas Parre, James Pykeryng, and John Harrowe of London, mercer, were beheaded, and their heads were placed on various parts of York. They crowned the head of the Duke of York with a paper crown in mockery.
xxix. die mensis Decembris apud Wakfelde, gentibus ducis Eborum vagantibus per patriam pro victualibus quærendis, factum est execrabile bellum inter dictum ducem Somercetiæ, comitem Northumbriæ ac dominum Nevylle cum magno exercitu et partem aliam; ubi occubuerunt in campo dux Eboracensis, Thomas Nevil, filius comitis Sarum, Thomas Haryngtone, Thomas Parre, Edwardus Bowcher, Jacobus Pykeryng, et Henricus Rathforde, ac etiam multi alii milites et armigeri, et plebs ad duo millia. Et in fugiendo post campum super pontem apud Wakefelde dominus de Clyfforde occidit dominum Edmundum, comitem de Rutlande, filium ducis Eboraci. Et eadem nocte comes Sarum captus est per servientem Andreæ Trolloppe. Et in crastino apud Pountfrett bastardus Exoniæ occidit dictum comitem Sarum, ubi per consilium dominorum decollaverunt corpora mortua ducis Eboracensis, et comitis Sarum et Ruttland, Thomas Nevyle, Edwardi Boucher, Thomas Haryngton, Thomæ Parre, Jacobi Pykeryng, et Johannis Harrowe de London, mercer, posueruntque capita eorum super diversas partes Eboraci. Caput quoque ducis Eboraci in despectu coronaverunt carta.
Note. The Battle of Wakefield took place on the 30th of December 1460.
On 29th March 1461 the Battle of Towton was a decisive victory for King Edward IV of England [aged 18] bringing to an end the first war of the Wars of the Roses. Said to be the bloodiest battle on English soil 28000 were killed mainly during the rout that followed the battle.
The Yorkist army was commanded by King Edward IV of England with John Mowbray 3rd Duke of Norfolk [aged 45], William Neville 1st Earl Kent [aged 56], William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 30] (knighted), Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy [aged 45], Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex [aged 57], John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 23] and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 61].
The Lancastrian army suffered significant casualties including Richard Percy [aged 35], Ralph Bigod Lord Morley [aged 50], John Bigod [aged 28], Robert Cromwell [aged 71], Ralph Eure [aged 49], John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby [aged 51], John Beaumont [aged 33], Thomas Dethick [aged 61], Everard Simon Digby, William Plumpton [aged 25] and William Welles [aged 51] who were killed.
Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland [aged 39] was killed. Earl of Northumberland, Baron Percy of Alnwick, Baron Percy of Topcliffe forfeit.
Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland [aged 49] was killed. He was buried at the nearby Saxton church where his chest tomb is extant. Baron Dacre Gilsland extinct.
Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles [aged 55] was killed. His son Richard [aged 33] succeeded 7th Baron Welles.
The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 25], Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter [aged 30], Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland and Andrew Trollope.
Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter was attainted after the battle; Duke Exeter, Earl Huntingdon forfeit.
Those who fought for the Lancaster included William Tailboys 7th Baron Kyme [aged 46], William Plumpton, John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley [aged 60], William Norreys [aged 20], Thomas Grey 1st Baron Grey of Richemont [aged 43], Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns [aged 30], John Talbot 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 12], Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby, Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [aged 56], [his brother-in-law] James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [aged 40], John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde [aged 39], William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont [aged 22], Henry Roos and Thomas Tresham [aged 41]. Cardinal John Morton [aged 41] were captured.
John Heron of Ford Castle Northumberland [aged 45], Robert Dethick [aged 86], Andrew Trollope and his son David Trollope were killed.
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Chronicle of Gregory. 29th March 1461. Ande the xxix [29] day of the same monythe of Marche, that was þe Palme Sunday, the kyng [aged 18] mette with the lordys of the Northe at Schyrborne. And there was on Harrys party that was King-
Prynce Edwarde [aged 7], Kyng Harrys son.
The Duke of Exceter [aged 30].
The Duke of Somersett [aged 25].
The Erle of Northehumberlond [aged 39].
The Erle of Devynschyre [aged 29].
The lord Bemound [aged 33].
The lord Clyfforde [deceased].
The lord Nevyle.
The lord Wellys [aged 51].
The lord Wylby [aged 40].
The lord Harry of Bokyngham.
The lord Rivers [aged 56].
The lord Schalys.
The lord Maule [aged 50].
The lord Ferys of Groby [aged 23].
The lord Foschewe. [Possibly John Fortescue [aged 67]]
The lord Lovelle [aged 28].
Syr Thomas Hammys, captayne of alle the fote men.
Syr Thomas Tressam [aged 41].
Syr Robert Whytyngham [aged 32].
Syr John Dawne.
And the yonge Lord of Schrouysbury [aged 12], and many moo othyr, bothe lordys, knyghtys, and squyers.
Here ben the namys of the lordys that were slayne in the felde in King Harrys [aged 39] party.
The lord Nevyle [aged 51],
And many moo then I can reherse; but whythe [t]es and othyr that were slayne in the fylde is a grete nombyr, by syde xlij [42] knyghtys that were slayne aftyr; the hoole nombyr is XXXV M1 [35000] of comeners. Jhesu be þou marcyfulle unto her soulys. Amen.
And the lordys before wretyn fledde, the substance in to Schotlond with the King Harry and Quene Margarete [aged 31], and son the Prynce with hym, full of sorowe and hevynys, no wondyr. God knowythe, but every man deme the beste tylle the trought be tryde owte. For many a lady lost her beste be lovyd in that batayle.
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On 4th November 1461 Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 25] was attainted. Duke Somerset, Marquess Dorset, Earl Somerset, Earl Dorset forfeit.
Chronicle of Gregory. 1462. Alle so the King [aged 19] son aftyr dysposyd hym, and was purposyd to ryde into Yorke schyre and to the contray a boute, to see and understonde the dysposyscyon of the pepylle of the Northe. And toke with him the Duke of Somersett [aged 25], and ij C [200] of his men welle horsyd and welle i-harnaysyd. Ande the said Duke, Harry of Somersett, ande his men were made the Kyngys garde, for the Kyng hadde that duke in moche favyr and trustyd him welle. But [t]e garde of him was as men shulde put a lombe a monge wolvysse of malyscyus bestys; but Alle mighty God was the scheparde. And whenn the King departyd from London he toke his way to Northehampton [Map], and thedyr the King com a Syn Jamys day the Apostylle, ande that fals duke with hym. And the comyns of the towne of Northehampton [Map] and of the schyre a-boute sawe that the fals duke and traytoure was so nyghe the Kyngys presens and was made his garde. The comyns a rosse uppon that fals traytur thee Duke of Somersett, and wolde have slayne him with yn the kyngys palys. And then the King with fayre speche and grete defeculte savyde his lyffe for that tyme, and that was pytte, for the savynge of his lyffe at that tyme causyd mony mannys dethys son aftyr, as ye shalle heyre. And then the Duke sende that fals Duke of Somersett in to a castelle of his owne full secretly, for save garde of his the dukys lyffe, and the dukys men unto Newe Castelle [Map], to kepe the towne, and gave them goode wages full treuly payde. And the Kyng full lovyngly gave the comyns of Northehampton [Map] a tonne of wyne that they shulde drynke and make mery. And [t]e wyne was drunkyn merely in the market place, for they hadde many fayre pecys of sylvyr. I darsay ther is no taverne that hathe not so moche of stuffe as they occupyde in his her tavernys. For some fette wyne in basynnys, and some in caudryns, and some in bollys, and some in pannys and some in dyschys. Loo, the grete tresoure that they scheuyd that tyme.
In 1462 or 1465 Christopher St Lawrence 2nd Baron Howth died. His son Robert [aged 27] succeeded 3rd Baron Howth. [his sister] Joan Beaufort Baroness Howth [aged 29] by marriage Baroness Howth.
Jean de Waurin's Chronicle of England Volume 6 Books 3-6: The Wars of the Roses
Jean de Waurin was a French Chronicler, from the Artois region, who was born around 1400, and died around 1474. Waurin’s Chronicle of England, Volume 6, covering the period 1450 to 1471, from which we have selected and translated Chapters relating to the Wars of the Roses, provides a vivid, original, contemporary description of key events some of which he witnessed first-hand, some of which he was told by the key people involved with whom Waurin had a personal relationship.
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Chronicle of Gregory. July 1462. Thys year Quene Margarete [aged 32] com owt of Frauns with lij [52] schyppys, with Freynysche men and some Engelysche men in the schyppys. And they londyd in Northe Humberlonde, it was vij dayes be-fore Alle Halwyn tyde. And there sche toke the castelle of Anwyke [Map] and put it full of Fraynyschemen. And then she retornyd in to Schotlonde by water. And there rosse suche a tempaste uppon her that she for soke her schippe, and a schapyd with the bote of þe schyppe. And the schyppe was drownyd with moche of her stuffe and iij [3] grete schippys moo. And iiij c and vj [406] Fraynysche men were take in the chyrche of Hooly Ylond [Map]. Thenn Kyng Edward [aged 20] hyrde telle of thys, and made him redy towarde the Northe with many lordys, gentellys, and comyns with hym. And there he layde a sege to Anwyke Castelle [Map], and to the castelle of Bamborowe [Map], and to Dunsterborowe [Map]. Bamborowe [Map] and Dunsterborowe [Map] was kept by Syr Raffe Persy [aged 37] and Syr Harry Bewforde [aged 26], late Duke of Somersett, and the castelle of Anwyke [Map] with the Lord Hungerforde [aged 31]. And Bamborowe [Map] and Dunsterborowe [Map] were yoldyn be Syr Raffe Percy and Syr Harry Beuford, late Duke of Somersett, to the Kyngys wylle, whythe the condyscyons that the said Raffe Percy schulde have the kepynge of the ij castellys, Bamborowe [Map] and Dunstarborowe [Map]. The said Syr Raffe Percy and Syr Harry Beuforde, late Duke of Somersett, were sworne to be trewe and faythefulle as trewe lege men unto owre King and sovereign lord Edwarde the iiijthe. And they com to Derham [Map], and there they were sworne byfore owre King. And the King gaffe them his levery and grete rewardys.
Chronicle of Gregory. July 1462. Ande then the for said Raffe Percys [aged 37] retornyde a-gayne in to Northehumberlond, and hadde the kepynge of the said ij [2] castellys accordynge unto the poyntment. And the said Syr Harry Beuforde [aged 26] a-bode stylle whithe the King, and roode with him to Lundon. And the King made full moche of hym; in soo moche that he loggyd whythe the King in his owne bedde many nyghtys, and some tyme rode a huntynge be hynde the King, the King havynge a boute him not passynge vj [6] hors at the moste, and yet iij [3] were of the Dukys men of Somersett. The kyng lovyd him welle, but the duke thought treson undyr fayre chere and wordys, as it apperyd. And for a grete love the kyng made a grete justys at Westemyster, that he shuld se some maner sporte of chevalry aftyr his grete labur and hevynys. And with grete instans the King made him to take harnys uppon hym, and rode in the place, but he wolde nevyr cope whithe no man and no man might not cope whythe hym, tylle the King prayd him to be mery and sende him a tokyn, and then he ranne full justely and merely, and his helme was a sory hatte of strawe. And then every man markyd him welle.
Warkworth's Chronicle [1461-1474]. [December 1462] And after that, the castelle of Bamburght was yoldene to the Kynge, by treyatte and apoyntment by Herry the Duke of Somersett [aged 26] that kept it, and came in to Kynge Edwardes grace, whiche graunted to hym a Ml, marke by yere, whereof he was not payede, the[r]for he departed oute of England after halff yere into Scotlonde, &c, And so Kynge Edward was possessed of alle England, excepte a castelle in Northe Wales called Harlake [Map]1, whiche Sere Richard Tunstall [aged 35] kepte, the qwhiche was gotene afterwarde by the Lorde Harberde [aged 39]7,
Note 1. Excepte a castelle in Northe Wales called Harlake. I cannot resist the temptation of taking the following lines from the poems of Lewis Glyn Cothi, relative to the future siege of Harlech
"Doves â'i wyr, divasw wedd,
Dareni daiar Wynedd;
Jarll, ond ev a'r llu, nid â
Ar wddv Eryri Wyddva.
Dau er ei chael dri a chwech,-
Un dân harddlun yw Harddlech.
Tynu â gwyr tònau gwin
Peiriannus, val mab brenin.
Uchel ewri a chlariwns,
A tharvu gwyr â thwrv gwns;
Saethu 'mhob parth saith mil pen,
A'u bwa o bob ywen:
Clod wellwell, cludaw allan
Goed mawr a fagodau mân;
O wartha 'r rhai'n, hyd yr hwyr,
Arvogion a'u rhyvagwyr.
Trwy'r tair gwart Herbart hirborth
Ty'nu'r pen capten i'r porth.
Ennillodd, eu ewyllys,
Y brenin lech Bronwen Lys.
Hywel Davydd ab Jevan ab Rhys.
As no translation is added in the published works of Glyn Cothi, may be as well to give one here;
"He tamed, in no trifling manner,
The lofty heights of Gwyneth2; No earl, save him and his followers, could ever mount
Upon the neck of Snowdon, the Alpine of Eryri.3
There would climb up, to gain the ascent,
Now three, -now six men, all at once;
One beautifully formed fiery blaze is Harddlech4
Men drawing from men waves of wine5, -
Loud the shouting - loud the blasts of clarions;
Scattering of men, thundering of guns;
Arrows flying in every quarter from seven thousand men,
Using bows made of the yew.
Bravo! bravo! they bring out large trees and faggots;
They pile them up, and, behind the pile,
Armed men are placed to continue there ' til night.
Then Herbert, through the three wards,
Brings forth the head captain in the porch.
Thus King Edward, as it were, with one volition,
Gained possession of Bronwen's Court."
This place was possessed in 1468 by Dafydd ap Jeuan ap Einion, - a strong friend of the house of Lancaster, distinguished for his valour and great stature. He was besieged here by William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, after a march through the heart of our Alps, attended with incredible difficulties; for in some parts, the soldiers were obliged to climb; in others, to precipitate themselves down the rocks; and, at length, invested a place till that time deemed impregnable.
The Earl committed the care of the siege to Sir Richard, a hero equal in size to the British commandant. Sir Richard sent a summons of surrender, but Dafydd stoutly answered that he had kept a castle in France so long, that he made all the old women in Wales talk of him; and that he would keep this so long, that all the old women in France should also talk of him. He at last surrendered, and Herbert had a hard struggle with Edward's barbarous policy to save the noble defender's life. - Pennant's Tour in Wales, vol. II. p. 121-2. Margaret of Anjou found refuge in this Castle after the unfortunate battle of Northampton; and it has been conjectured that the song of "Farwel iti Peggy Ban" was composed on the occasion of her quitting it. On the peculiar advantages of the position of this castle, see The Cambrian Traveller's Guide, p. 574.
Note 2. North Wales.
Note 3. The mountains surrounding Snowdon.
Note 4. This couplet is metaphorical of the rapidity of Herbert's motions.
Note 5. i.e. streams of blood.
Note 6. The castle was anciently called Twr Bronwen, after Bronwen, daughter of Llyr (King Lear), and aunt to the great Caractacus. See The Cambro - Briton, ii. 71. She is the subject of an old Welsh Romance.
Note 7. By the Lorde Harberde. "Et castrum forte in Wallia per dominum Harbarde captum est, et Dominus Ricardus Tunstalle, cum ceteris ibi inventis, captus est, et in Turri Londonie clausus, qui tum in breve gratiam a Rege consecutus est. Duo nobiles ex illic capti decollati sunt [And a strong castle in Wales was captured by Lord Harbarde, and Lord Richard Tunstalle, along with others found there, was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London, who then shortly obtained favour from the King. Two nobles captured there were beheaded]." - MS. Arundel, Coll. Arm. 5, fol. 171, rº. There is a grant to Lord Herbert for his services in Rot. Pat. 3 Edw. IV.
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Before 1463 [his brother-in-law] Thomas Burgh 1st Baron Burgh of Gainsborough [aged 31] and [his half-sister] Margaret Ros Baroness Botreaux Baroness Burgh [aged 32] were married. She the daughter of Thomas Ros 8th Baron Ros Helmsley and [his mother] Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 54]. They were fourth cousins. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.
On 10th March 1463 Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 27] was restored 2nd Duke Somerset, 5th Earl Somerset as a consequence of a general pardon.
Chronicle of Gregory. December 1463. Ande this same year a-boute Crystysmas that fals Duke of Somersett [aged 27], without any leve of the kyng, stale out of Walys [Map] with a prevy mayny towarde the Newecastelle [Map], for he and his men were confeteryde for to have be-trayde the said Newecastelle [Map]. And in [t]ewey thedyrwarde he was aspyde, and lyke to have ben takyn be syde Dereham in his bedde. Notwithstondynge he a schapyde a-way in his schyrt and barefote, and ij of his men were take. And they toke with them that fals dukys caskette and his harneys. And whenn that his men knew that he was aschapyd, and his fals treson aspyde, his men stale from the Newecastelle [Map] as very fals traytourys, and some of them were take and loste her heddys for her labur, &c.
Chronicle of Gregory. December 1463. Ande then the King, owre sovereign lord Edward the iiij, hadde knowleche of his fals dysposyscyon of this fals Duke Harry of Somersett [aged 27]. The King sende a grete feleschippe of his housolde men to kepe the towne of Newecastelle [Map], and made the Lord Scrope of Bolton [aged 26] captayne of the towne; and soo they kept it surely alle that wyntyr.
Chronicle of Gregory. [Before 25th April 1464] The poyntement was that they Schottys and [t]ey shulde mete at Yorke. And then was my Lord of Mountegewe [aged 33] assygnyd to fecche yn the Schottys pesseabylly, for he was Wardon of the Marchys. And then my Lord of Mountegewe toke his jornaye towarde the Newe Castelle [Map]. And by the waye was full falsely i-purvyde that fals Duke Harry of Somersett [aged 28] and Percy [aged 39], with her feleschyppe assocyat unto them, that there was layde by the waye, a lytylle from the Newecastel, in a woode, that fals traytoure Syr Umfray Nevyle [aged 25], with iiij schore [80] sperys, and the bowys there too. And they shulde have falle on the Lord Mountegeue sodenly, and slayne him sodenly, but, God be thonkyd, her fals treson was aspyde and knowe. And thenne the Lord Montegewe toke a nothyr waye, and made to be gaderyd a grete feleschippe, and went to the Newecastelle [Map], and soo toke his jornaye unto Norham [Map] warde.
On 25th April 1464 a Yorkist army commanded by John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu [aged 33] defeated a Lancastrian army commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 28] at Hedgeley Moor, Northumberland [Map] during the Battle of Hedley Moor.
Of the Lancastrians...
[his half-brother] Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley [aged 36] was killed. His son [his nephew] Edmund [aged 9] succeeded 10th Baron Ros Helmsley. Thomas' lands however, including Belvoir Castle [Map] were given by King Edward IV of England [aged 21] to William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 33].
Ralph Percy [aged 39] was killed.
Edmund Ros 10th Baron Ros Helmsley: Around 1455 he was born to Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley and Philippa Tiptoft Baroness Ros of Helmsley. On 23rd October 1508 Edmund Ros 10th Baron Ros Helmsley died. Baron Ros Helmsley abeyant between his daughters annd their descendants.
Chronicle of Gregory. Ande in the wey thedyrwarde there met with him that fals Duke of Somersette, Syr Raffe Percy, the Lord Hungerforde, and the [his half-brother] Lord Roos, whythe alle her company, to the nombyr of vM [5000] men of armys. And this metynge was a pon Synte Markys day; and that same day was Syr Raffe Percy slayne. And whenn that he was dede alle the party was schomfytyd and put to rebuke. Ande every man avoydyd and toke his way with full sory hertys. And then my Lord of Mountegeue toke his hors and roode to Norham, and fecchyd yn the Schottys, and brought them unto the Lordys Commyssyonourys. And there was concludyd a pes [Note. peace] for xv year with the Schottys. And the Schottys ben trewe it moste nedys contynu so longe, but hit is harde for to tryste unto hem, for they byn evyr founde full of gyle and dyssayte.
Chronicle of Gregory. 14th May 1464. Ande the xiiij daye of May nexte aftyr, my Lord of Mountegeue [aged 33] toke his jornaye toward Hexham from the Newecastelle [Map]. And there he toke that fals Duke Harry Beuford of Somersett [aged 28], the [his half-brother] Lord Roos [deceased], the Lord Hungerforde [aged 33], Syr Pylyppe Wenteworthe [aged 40], Syr Thomas Fyndorne, whythe many o[t]yr; loo, soo manly a man is this good Erle Mountegewe, for he sparyd not her malysse, nor her falssenysse, nor gyle, nor treson, and toke meny of men and slowe many one in that jornaye.
On 15th May 1464 a Yorkist army commanded by John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu [aged 33] defeated a Lancastrian army commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 28] at Hexham, Northumberland [Map] during the Battle of Hexham.
Those fighting for York included John Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire [aged 36], John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 26] and Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby [aged 36].
Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset was beheaded following the battle. The general pardon which he has previously received was annulled. Duke Somerset, Marquess Dorset, Earl Somerset and Earl Dorset forfeit for the second time. His son [his brother] Edmund Beaufort [aged 25] was styled by supporters of the House of Lancaster as Duke of Somerset but had not right to do so.
Philip Wentworth [aged 40] was executed at Middleham [Map].
Chronicle of Jean de Waurin Books 3-5 [1400-1474]. [15th May 1464]. Chapter 4.30. Of a battle that took place quite near Newcastle upon Tyne where the Duke of Somerset [aged 28] was captured, along with several other great lords captured and killed by the Earl of Northumberland [aged 33].
It so happened around this time that between Scotland and Northumberland, the Duke of Somerset, the principal governor of Queen Margaret, had assembled a large force to raid and inflict damage upon the Kingdom of England, particularly targeting those loyal to King Edward. Although the said Duke of Somerset had recently received a pardon from the King and returned to his court, he could not hold himself back. Instead, he preferred to return to King Henry's side rather than remain with King Edward's party. He clearly recognized that King Henry's faction lacked the strength to resist against King Edward's power, who had previously shown him great honour and respect. Despite this, he abandoned King Edward's side to rejoin King Henry and support those who had no power to benefit him, as he had previously experienced.
Warkworth's Chronicle [1461-1474]. 15th May 1464. Also in the iiijth yere of the Kynge Edwarde, the monethe of Maij, the Duke of Somersett, the [his half-brother] Lorde Roos [deceased], the Lorde Moleyns [aged 33], Talboys the Earl [Baron] of Kyme [aged 49], Sire Phylippe Wenterworth [aged 40], Sire Thomas Fynderne, gadred a grete peple of the northe contre1. And Sere Jhon Nevelle, that tyme beynge Earl of Northumberlonde, with 10,000 men come uppon them, and there the comons fleede that were with them, and ther the forseide lordes were takene and afterward behedede3. But thenne the Lorde Montagu [aged 33], the Earl of Warwick [aged 35]s brothere, whiche the Kynge had made Earl of Northumberlonde, was mighty and strong by the same, &c. And for so moche as the Kynge and his counselle thought that he wolde holde with his Earl of Warwick, therfor the Kyng and his counselle made the countre to desire that they might have the ryghtfull heyre Percy, sonne to Henry Percy that was slayne at Yorke Feld, to be the Earl of Northumberlond, and so it was doone. And after this the Kynge made Lorde Montagu, Marquyus Montagu, and made his sonne [aged 3] Duke of Bedford, whiche schulde wedde the princesse, the Kynges heldest doughter, whiche, by possibylite, schuld be Kynge of England, and so he hade many fayre wordys and no lordeschyppys, but alwey he promysed he wuld do, &c,
Note 1. Gadred a grete peple of the northe contre. The following very curious document is from a MS. in the College of Arms (L.9):— "Anno Edwardi quarti quarto et mensis Maij die xxvij. scilicet in die san[c]te Trinitatis.
The Kyng lay in the Palois of York, and kept his astate solemply; and tho there create he Sir John Nevelle, Lord Mowntage, Earl of Northumberland. And than my lorde of Warrewike toke upon hym the jorney, by the Kynges commandement and auctoritee, to resiste the Rebellions of the Northe, acompanyed with hym my sayde Lorde of Northumberland his brother.
"Item, the xxiijti, day of Juyne, my saide Lorde of Warrewike, with the puissaunce, cam before the castelle of Alwike, and ad it delivered by appointement; And also the castell of Dunstanboroughe, where that my said Lord kept the feest of Saint John Baptist."
"Item, my said Lorde of Warrewike, and his broder Earl of Northumberland, the xxv. day of Juyn, leyede siege unto the Castelle of Bamburghe, there within being Sir Rauf Grey, with suche power as attendid for to keepe the said castelle ayen the power of the Kinges and my said Lord, as it apperith by the heroudes reporte, by the whiche my Lord sent to charge them to delyvere it under this forme, as ensewithe; Chester, the Kinges heroude, and Warrewike the heroude, had this commaundement, as foloweth, -to say unto Sir Rauf Gray, and to other that kept his Rebelliouse oppynyon, that they shule delivere that place contynent aftyr that summacion, and every man for the tyme being disposed to receyve the Kynges grace, my said Lord of Warrewike, the Kinges lieutenant, and my Lord of Northumbreland, Wardeyn of themarches, grauntith the Kyng['s] grace and pardon, body, lyvelodes, reservyng ij. persounes, is understoude, Sir Humfrey Neville and Sir Rauf Grey, thoo tweyn to be oute of the Kinges grace, without any redempcion. Than the answere of Sir Rauf Grey followithe unto the said heroudes, he clerely determynyng withinne hymself to liffe or to dye within the said place; the heroudes, according to my Lordes commandement, charged hym with all inconveniences that by possible might fall in offence ayenst Allemighty God, and sheding of bloode; the heroude saying in this wise, My Lordes ensurithe yow, upon their honour, to susteyne siege before yowe these vij. yeres, or elles to wynne yowe."
Item, my sayde Lorde Lieutenant, and my Lord Wardeyn, hath yeven us ferther comaundement to say unto yowe, if ye deliver not this Juelle, the whiche the king our most dradde soverain Lord hath so gretly in favour, seing it marcheth so nygh hys awncient enemyes of Scotland, he specially desirethe to have it, hoole, unbroken, with ordennaunce; if ye suffre any greet gunne laide unto the wal, and be shote and prejudice the wal, it shall cost yowe the Chiftens hede; and so proceding for every gunne shet, to the leest hede of any persoune within the said place. Than the saide Sir Rauf Grey deperted from the saide heroud, ant put hym in devoir to make deffence.
And than my Lorde lieutenant had ordennede alle the Kinges greet gonnes that where charged at oons to shute unto the said Castelle, Newe-Castel the Kinges greet gonne, and London the second gonne of irne; the whiche betyde the place, that stones of the walles flewe unto the see; Dysyon, a brasin gonne of the Kinges, smote thouroughe Sir Rauf Grey's chamber oftentimes; Edward and Richard Bombartell, and other of the Kinges ordennaunce, so occupied by the ordonnaunce of my said Lord, with men of armes and archirs, wonne the castelle of Bamburg with asawte, mawgrey Sir Rauf Grey, and tooke hym, and brought hym to the Kynge to Doncastre, and there was he execut in this fourme as followith. My lorde Earl of Worcestre, Connestable of Englond, sitting in jugement, told hym jugement, and remambrid hym, saying unto hym; "Sir Rauf Grey, thou hast take the ordir of Knyghthode of the Batthe, and any soe taking that ordir ought to kepe his faithe the whiche he makes; therfor remembre the[e] the lawe! wilt thou shall procede to jugement? thees maters shewith so evidently agayn the, that they nedithe not to examyn the of them, by certein persounes of the Kinges true subgettes, the whiche thou hast wounded, and shewithe here that thou canst not deny this; thou hast drawen the with force of armes unto the Kyng oure most natural soverain Lorde, the whiche tho wotest wele yave unto the suche trust, and in suche wise mynystred his grace unto the, that thou haddist his castels in the Northe partie to kepe; thou hast betraied Sir John Asteley Knyght, and brother of the gartier, the whiche remaignethe in the hand of the Kynges oure soverain Lord enemyes in Fraunce.
Item, thou hast withstoud and maade fences ageynst the Kynges maiestie, and his lieutenant the worthy Lorde my broder of Warrwike; it apperith by the strookes of the greet gunnes in the Kyng walles of his castell of Bamburghe. For the[se] causes, dispost the to suffre thy penaunce aftyr the lawe. The Kyng had ordenned that thou shuldest have hadd thy sporys striken of by the hard heles, with the hand of the maister cooke, that whiche is here redy to doo, as was promysed at the tyme that he tooke of thy spurres; he said to yee, as ys accustumed, that 'And thou be not true to thy soverain Lord, I shal smyte of thy sporys with this knyf herd by the helys,' and so shewne hym the maistre cooke redy to doo his office, with apron and his knyff.
"Item, Sir Rauff Grey, the Kyng had ordenned here, thou maist see, the Kynge of armes and heroudes, and thine own propre cote of armes, that whiche they shuld teere of thy body, and so thou shuldist as wel be disgraded of thy worshipp, noblesse, and armes, as of the order of Knyghthode; and also here is an oder cote of thin armes reversed, the which thou shuldest have werne of thy body, going to that dethe warde, for that belongethe aftyr the lawe. Notwithstanding, of the disgrading of knygthode, and of thine armes, et noblesse, the King pardons that for thy noble grauntfader, the whiche suffrid trouble for the Kynges moost noble predecesseurs2. Than, Sir Rauf Grey, this shal be thy penaunce, thou shalt goo on thy feet unto the towneseend, and there thou shalt be laide downe and drawen to a scaffold maade for thee, and that thou shalt have thyne hede smite of thi body, to be buriede in the freres; thi heede where it pleased the Kyng."
Note 2. Sir Ralph Grey, of Wark, Heton, and Chillingham (lineal ancestor of the Earls of Tankerville, as well as of the present Earl Grey) was the grandson of Sir Thomas Grey, beheaded at Southampton with the Earl of Cambridge, Aug. 5, 1415. See the whole sheet pedigree of Grey in Raine's North Durham. - J.G.N.
Note 3. Were takene and afterward behedede: On the fifteenth day of May, at Hexham, Northumberland [Map], the Duke of Somerset [aged 28], Edmund Fizthu, Bradshaw, Wauter Hunt, and Black Jakis were decapitated. On the seventeenth day of May, at Newcastle, the Lord of Hungerford, Lord Roos, Lord Thomas Fynderum, Edward de la Mare, and Nicholas Massam were decapitated. At Middleham Castle [Map], on the eighteenth day of May, the Lord Philip Wentworth, William Penyngton, Ward of Topcliff, Oliver Wentworth, William Spilar, Thomas Hunt, the footman of King Henry, were decapitated. At York, on the twenty-fifth day of May, Lord Thomas Husye, Thomas Gosse, Robert Merfynn, John Butler, Roger Water, the doorkeeper of King Henry, Thomas Fenwyke, Robert Cocfeld, William Bryte, William Dawsonn, and John Chapman were decapitated. At York, on the twenty-eighth day of May, John Elderbek, Richard Cawerum, John Roselle, and Robert Conqueror were decapitated." — MS. Arundel, Coll. Arm. 5, fol. 170, rº.
Quintodecimo die mensis Maij, apud Exham, decapitati sunt Dux Somersett, Edmundus Fizthu miles, Brasdshaw, Wauter Hunt, Blac Jakis. Decimo-septimo die mensis Maii, apud Novum-Castrum, decapitati sunt Dominus de Hungarforde, Dominus Roos, Dominus Thomas Fynderum, Edwardus de la Mare, Nicholaus Massam. Apud Medetham, xviijo die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Dominus Philippus Wentworth, Willielmus Penyngton, Warde de Topcliff, Oliverus Wentworth, Willielmus Spilar, Thomas Hunt, le foteman Regis Henrici. Apud Eboracum, xxvº die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Dominus Thomas Husye, Thomas Gosse, Robertus Merfynn, Johannes Butlerus, Rogerus Water, janitor Regis Henrici, Thomas Fenwyke, Robertus Cocfeld, Willielmus Bryte, Willielmus Dawsonn, Johannes Chapman. Apud Eboracum, xxviijo die mensis Maii, decapitati sunt Johannes Elderbek, Ricardus Cawerum, Johannes Roselle, Robertus Conqueror.
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Abbot John Whethamstede’s Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans, 1451-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
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Chronicle of Gregory. 15th May 1464. The xv day of May folowynge this good Lord Mountegewe [aged 33] let to be smete of the heddys of thes men, the whyche that her namys here folowyn in wrytyng: Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset [aged 28], Edmon Fysche, knyght, Edmon Bradschawe, Water Hunte, Blacke Jakys.
King Edward III of England 1312-1377
John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster 1340-1399
Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey 1318-1372
Richard Fitzalan 3rd or 10th Earl of Arundel 8th Earl of Surrey 1306-1376
Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent 1350-1397
Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales 1328-1385
Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster 1350-1403
Kings Wessex: Great x 12 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 9 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 15 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 10 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings Godwinson: Great x 12 Grand Son of King Harold II of England
Kings England: Great x 2 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 11 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 18 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 13 Grand Son of Hugh I King of the Franks
Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 16 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine
Great x 4 Grandfather: King Edward I of England 
Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: King Edward II of England Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor of Castile Queen Consort England 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: King Edward III of England Son of King Edward II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: King Philip IV of France 
3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabella of France Queen Consort England 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Blois I Queen Navarre 
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: John of Gaunt 1st Duke Lancaster Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John of Avesnes II Count Hainaut II Count Holland 3 x Great Grand Son of King Stephen I England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William of Avesnes I Count Hainaut III Count Avesnes III Count Holland II Count Zeeland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Stephen I England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa Luxemburg Countess Hainaut and Holland 
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Philippa of Hainaut Queen Consort England 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Stephen I England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Charles Valois I Count Valois 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Valois Countess Zeeland Holland Avesnes and Hainaut 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Capet Countess Valois 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandFather: John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset 
Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Giles "Payne" Roet 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Katherine Swynford aka Roet Duchess Lancaster
Father: Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert de Holand of Upholland 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Holland 1st Baron Holand
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alan Zouche 1st Baron Zouche Ashby 
2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Zouche Baroness Holand 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Segrave 
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: King Edward I of England Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret of France Queen Consort England 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Wake 1st Baron Wake of Liddell 
2 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Wake Countess Kent 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Fiennes Baroness Wake Liddell 
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
GrandMother: Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 1st or 8th Earl of Arundel 
3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Fitzalan 2nd or 9th Earl of Arundel 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Saluzzo Countess Arundel 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 3rd or 10th Earl of Arundel 8th Earl of Surrey 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Warenne
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Warenne Countess Arundel
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Vere 
Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Blanche Capet Queen Navarre 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey 
Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Patrick Chaworth 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Chaworth
Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabella Beauchamp 
Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Beauchamp 9th Earl Warwick
Great x 3 Grandfather: Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick
Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Fitzjohn Countess Warwick
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Beauchamp 11th Earl Warwick 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Tosny 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Tosny Countess Warwick 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Beauchamp 12th Earl Warwick 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Mortimer 2nd Baron Mortimer of Wigmore 
2 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March 3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Fiennes 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Mortimer Countess Warwick 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Piers Geneville
Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Geneville Baroness Mortimer 2nd Baroness Geneville 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jeanne Lusignan 
6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
GrandFather: Richard Beauchamp 13th Earl Warwick 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Ferrers 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby 
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Ferrers 2nd Baron Ferrers of Groby 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Ellen or Margaret Segrave Baroness Ferrers Groby
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Ferrers 3rd Baron Ferrers of Groby 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Theobald Verdun 2nd Lord Verdun 
Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabel Verdun Baroness Ferrers Groby Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Clare Lady Verdun 
Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Ferrers Countess Warwick 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 9th and 1st Baron Percy
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Percy 10th and 2nd Baron Percy 5 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Fitzalan Baroness Percy 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Percy Baroness Ferrers Groby 
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford 
6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Idonia Clifford Baroness Percy 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Clare Baroness Clifford Baroness Welles 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Mother: Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 7th and 2nd Baron Berkeley 
2 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Berkeley 8th and 3rd Baron Berkeley 3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Eva Zouche
Great x 2 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 9th and 4th Baron Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March 3 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Mortimer Baroness Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Geneville Baroness Mortimer 2nd Baroness Geneville 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Berkeley 10th and 5th Baron Berkeley, Baron Lisle 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh "Elder" Despencer 1st Earl Winchester 
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh "Younger" Despencer 1st Baron Despencer 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabella Beauchamp
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Despencer Baroness Berkeley Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Clare Baroness Zouche Mortimer Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan of Acre Countess Gloucester and Hertford Daughter of King Edward I of England
GrandMother: Elizabeth Berkeley Countess Warwick 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Warin Lisle 
Great x 3 Grandfather: Gerard Lisle 1st Baron Lisle
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Tyeys
Great x 2 Grandfather: Warin Lisle 2nd Baron Lisle 6 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Fitzalan 2nd or 9th Earl of Arundel 4 x Great Grand Son of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Fitzalan 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Warenne Countess Arundel
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Lisle Baroness Berkeley 3rd Baroness Lisle 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Pipard
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Pipard Baroness Lisle