1459-1461 Wars of the Roses: Second War

Chronicle of St Albans by Abbot John Whethamstede. 23rd September 1459. Battle of Blore Heath.

Indeed, even in that grave and significant conflict, which the Earl of Salisbury (age 59), with a small band of common people, was recently known to have engaged in against the Lord Audley (age 61) and almost the entire militia of the Counties of Chester and Shropshire, where the multitude yielded to the few, though the few were skilled, valiant, and well exercised warriors, the multitude, numbering barely ten thousand, was defeated, conquered, and put to flight. Reflecting on this, the King, along with the saying of Seneca, "It is not the number of persons, but rather the virtue of the few, that wins battles and overthrows enemies," deliberated within himself. He resolved to attempt other means before resorting to arms. He dispatched a suitable and capable messenger to them, offering peace through the mouth of a certain relative of theirs, namely, Richard Beauchamp, the Bishop of Salisbury. He offered them the opportunity to reconsider their intentions, to send their people back, and to repent of their actions. Furthermore, he himself was willing to grant a general pardon for all their individual transgressions, treating them henceforth as dear kinsmen and more favourably than ever before.

Chronicle of Gregory. 23 Sep 1459. Ande this year was done a grete jornaye at the Blowre Hethe by the Erle of Saulysbury (age 59) ande the Quenys galentys. And that day the King made vij knyghtys, first, Syr Robert Molyners, Syr John Daune, Syr Thomas Uttyng, Syr John Brembly, Syr Jon Stanley, Syr John Grysly, and Syr Rychard Hardon; and v of thes knyghtys were slayne full manly in the fylde, and many men of yemonry soore hurte, and a full nobylle knyght, the Lord Audeley (age 61), and Syr Thomas Hamdon, knyght, was the getynge of the fylde, and Thomas Squyer and Counteroller of the Pryncys house full sore hurte. And [the] batayle or jornay lastyd alle the aftyr none, fro one of the clocke tylle v aftyr non, and the chasse lastyd unto vij at the belle in the mornynge. And men were maymyd many one in the Quenys party. There were in the Quenys party vM [Note. 5000], and in that othyr party vC [Note. 500], a grete wondyr that evyr they might stonde the grete multytude not ferynge, the King beyng with yn x myle and the quene (age 29) with yn v myle at the castelle of Egyllyssale [Map]. But the Erle of Saulysbury hadde ben i-take, save only a Fryer Austyn schot gonnys [Note. shot guns] alle that nyght in a parke that was at the backe syde of the fylde, and by this mene the erle come to Duke of Yorke (age 48). And in the morowe they founde nothyr man ne ehylde in that parke but the fryer, and he said that for fere he a-bode in that parke alle that nyght. But in the mornyng, by-twyne the fylde and Chester, Syr John Dawne is son that was at home in his fadyrs place hadde worde that his fadyr was slayne; a-non he raysyd his tenantys and toke by-syde a lytyl towne i-namyd Torperlay [Map] Syr Thomas Nevyle (age 29), Syr John Nevyle (age 28), and Syr Thomas Haryngdon (age 59), and brought them unto the castelle of Chester, ande there they a-boode tylle the batayle of Northehampton was done, &c.

A Chronicle of London. 23 Sep 1459. And sone after, kyng Henry, the quene and lords, lete make a grete gaderyng of people northward, wherof was grete noise: than therle of Warwike came frome Caleise thurgh London, and his fader therle of Salisbury came fro Middilham toward the duke of Yorke with iij m¹ [3000] men; and the quene Margrete lay by the way as he come with xiiij m¹ [14,000] of the floure of Chestreshire, Lancastreshire and Derbyshire, which set upon the seid erle of Salisbury and his compeigny at Blore heth, the xxiij day of Septembre; and there were slayne of the quenes partie the lord Awdley, with many knyghts, squiers, and other people,

An English Chronicle. 23 Sep 1459. Whenne the kyng herde of thayre commyng, they that were aboute hym counseyled hym to gadre a power for to wythestand theym, and enformed hym that they came forto dystroy hymme. Thenne lay the quene at Eglishale, and anone by hire stiryng the kyng assembled a grete power whereof the lorde Audeley (age 61) was chyef and had the ledyng of thaym, and wente forthe in to the felde called Blorehethe; by the whyche the sayde duk of York and the erl most nedes passe. And there bothe hostes mette and countred to gedre, and fauȝt mortally. And there was the lorde Audeley sleyne, and meny of the notable knyghtes and squyers of Chesshyre that had resceued the lyuery of the swannes; and there were take prysoners, the erlles ij. sones of Salisbury, Thomas and Johan, and ser Thomas Haryngtone, and enprysoned in the castelle of Chestre; but sone after they were delyuered.

Chronicle of Robert Fabyan. 23 Sep 1459. And in processe of time after, as he was riding towarde Salysbury (age 59), or, after some, from his lodging toward London, the lord Audley (age 61), with a strong company, was assigned to meet with him, and as a prisoner to bring him unto London. Whereof the said Earl being warned, gathered unto him the more men, and keeping his journey, met with the said Lord Audley at a place callyd Blore Heth, where both companies ran together and had there a strong bickering; whereof in the end the Earl was victour, and slew there the Lord Audley and many of his retinue. At this skirmish were the. ii. sons of the said Earl sore wounded, named Sir Thomas (age 29) and Sir John (age 28); the which shortly after, as they were going homewarde, were by some of the queen's party taken, and as prisoners sent unto Chester.

On 12 Oct 1459 the Battle of Ludford Bridge nearly took place at Ludlow [Map]. In the event a large number of the Calais garrison led by Andrew Trollope refused to fight against King Henry VI of England and II of France (age 37) who was present.

The Yorkist Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 48), the future King Edward IV of England (age 17), Edmund York 1st Earl of Rutland (age 16), Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 30), Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 59) left overnight before the battle.

John Dynham 1st Baron Dynham (age 26) and Thomas Parr (age 52) were present.

The Lancastrian army included Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 57) and William Fitzalan 9th or 16th Earl of Arundel (age 41).

Richard Grey 3rd Earl Tankerville (age 22) was present on the Yorkist side for which he was subsequently attainted. Earl Tankerville forfeit.

Chronicle of Gregory. 12 Oct 1459. Ande this same year there was a grete afray at Lodlowe by twyne the King (age 37) and the Duke of Yorke (age 48), the Erle of Salusbury (age 59), the Erle of Warwyke (age 30), the Erle of Marche (age 17). The Duke of Yorke lete make a grete depe dyche and fortefyde it with gonnys, cartys, and stakys, but his party was ovyr weke, for the kyng was mo then xxxM [Note. 3000] of harneysyd men, by-syde nakyd men that were compellyd for to come with the King. And thenne the duke fledde fro place to place in Walys, and breke downe the bryggys aftyr him that the kyngys mayny schulde not come aftyr hym. And he wente unto Monde. And there he taryd tylle the jornay was endyd at Northehampton. And he made newe grotys of a newe kune in Irlonde; in on syde of the grote was a crowne and in that othyr syde a crosse. And there he made many newe statutys, and his yong sonys [George York 1st Duke of Clarence (age 9) and King Richard III of England (age 7)] were sende by yende the see unto the Duke of Burgayne (age 25) [Note. Husband of Edward's sister Margaret of York Duchess of Burgundy (age 13)], and they were full welle ande worschypfully ressayvyd.

Chronicle of Gregory. 12 Oct 1459. The Erle of Saulysbury (age 59), the Erle of Warwycke (age 30), the Erle of Marche (age 17), Syr John Wenlocke (age 59), alle thes come unto Devynschyre to Syr John Denham (age 26), and alle thes by the conveynge of Syr John Denham; and they bought a smalle vesselle in that contray, an they were conveyde unto Garnesey [Map], ande from Garnesaye unto Calys [Map], for fere of dethe that they said was ymagenyde by the kyng and his lordys, and of her owne housolde mayny for her dystruccyon, the counselle and consent of King Harry the VI. Thes lordys departyd out of Ingelonde on Synt Edward is evyn, Synt Edward bothe King and confessoure, the xij day of October^a, and they taryd at Calys xxxvj wekys.

Note a. This is really the date of the breaking up of their camp at Ludlow, not of their leaving England.

A Chronicle of London. 12 Oct 1459 ... the seid erle holdyng his wey to Ludlowe, where he mette with the duke of Yorke and his sones therles of the Marche and Ruthland, and therle of Warwik aforseid; and toward them came kyng Henry with l m¹ [50,000] men. And in the nyght the duke of Yorke and his sones, and therle of Salisbury with his sone, voidid into Walis; and there departid the duke of Yorke with his seconde sone therle of Ruthland into Irland; and therles of Marche, Warwik and Salisbury, bought a ship, and so gete to Caleise and there were received.

On 09 Oct 1459 Thomas Tresham (age 39) was elected Speaker of the House of Commons at Coventry, Warwickshire [Map]. The primary purpose of the Parliament was to attaint the Yorkist leaders:

Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 48), his sons Edward Earl of March (age 17), Edmund Earl of Rutland (age 16) were attainted, as were Richard Neville Earl Salisbury (age 59) and his sons Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 30) and John Neville 1431-1471 (age 28).

Chronicle of Gregory. Oct 1459. Ande thes fore said lordys sende letters unto many placys of Inglonde howe they were a vysyde to reforme the hurtys and myschevys ande grevys that raynyd in this londe; and that causyd them moche the more to be lovyde of the comyns of Kente and of London; and by this mene the comyns of Kent sende them worde to ressayve them and to go with them in that a-tente that they wolde kepe trewe promys, and as for the more parte of this londe hadde pytte that they were attaynte and proclaymyd trayters by the Parlement at was holde at Covyntre.

A Brief Latin Chronicle. 09 Oct 1459. In the same year, around the feast of Saint Edmund, King and Martyr, a parliament was convened at Coventry, where the said Duke and three Earls, along with many other knights and magnates, were indicted there for grand treason and declared to be attainted traitors by the lords of that parliament; and the actions approved by the said duke and lords regarding their insurrection at the town of St Albans in the previous parliament were completely annulled in this one. And on the feast of Saint Agnes following, the said Duke and lords were publicly proclaimed as attainted traitors in the city of London, and thus remained until about the feast of Saint John the Baptist following.

Eodem anno, circiter festum Sancti Edmundi Regis et Martiris, convocato parliamento apud Coventre, indictati sunt ibidem dicti Dux et tres Comites cum aliis multis militibus et magnatibus super grandi prodicione et declarati pro ateyntid traytowrs per dominos illius parliamenti; et ea que per dictos ducem et dominos de insurreccione sua apud villam Sancti Abani in priori parliamento approbata sunt, in isto penitus sunt cassata. Et in festo Sancte Agnetis proximo sequente, dicti Dux et domini in civitate London. publice proclamati sunt pro ateyntid traytours, et sic manserunt usque circiter festum Sancti Johannis Baptiste proximo sequens.

An English Chronicle. 20 Nov 1459. Thanne was a parlement holden at Couentre, and they that were chosenne knyghtes of the shyres, and other that had interesse in the parlement, were nat dyfferent but chosen a denominacione of thaym that were enemyes to the forseyde lordes so beyng oute of the reame. In the whiche parlement, the sayde duk of York and the iij. erles and other, whos names shalle be rehersed afterward, withoute any answere, as traytours and rebelles to the kyng were atteynt of treson, and theyre goodes, lordshyppys and possessyons escheted in to the kynges hande, and they and theyre heyres dysheryted vn to the ixthe degre. And by the kynges commissione in euery cyte, burghe, and toune cryed opynly and proclamed as for rebelles and traytoures; and theyre tenauntes and there men spoyled of theyre goodes, maymed, bete, and slayne withoute eny pyte; the toune of Ludlow, [folio 198b] longyng thanne to the duk of York, was robbed to the bare walles, and the noble duches of York vnmanly and cruelly was entreted and spoyled.

On 15 Jan 1460 Yorkist forces commanded by John Dynham 1st Baron Dynham (age 27) and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 31) raided Sandwich, Kent [Map] capturing a number of Lancastrian ships. In addition, the Woodville family: Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 55), his wife Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 45) and their son Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 20) were captured.

Patent Rolls. 30 Oct 1459. Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire [Map]. Commission of array to Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers (age 54), knight, and the sheriff of Kent in Kent, to resist Richard, duke of York (age 48), Edward Earl of March (age 17), Richard, Earl of Warwick (age 30), and Richard, Earl of Salisbury (age 59), and their accomplices, leagued in rebellion against the king and crown and allowed by certain persons having the keeping of the town and castle of Calais [Map] to enter the same contrary to the king's mandates, and now preparing to arouse congregations and insur rections in the said county; and appointment of the same to arrest all ships and other vessels late of the said Earl of Warwick and all the tackling thereof and to keep the same for the king's use. By K.

Patent Rolls. Membrane 27d. 08 Nov 1459. Commission to John de Clyfford (age 24) to arrest all lands, possessions and goods of any rebels in Westmoreland, except of those whom the king has taken into his protection. By K.

Patent Rolls. 10 Dec 1459. Coventry, Warwickshire [Map]. Commission to Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers (age 54), knight, Thomas Broun, knight, and the mayor of Sandwich to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of the men at arms and archers ordered to go on the safe keeping of the sea in the company of Gervase Clyfton (age 54), knight, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery. By K.

Commission to Thomas Kyryell (age 63), knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Broun, knight, John Seyncler, esquire, and Richard Dalafeld, esquire, to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of the men at arms and archers ordered to go on the safe-keeping of the sea in the company of Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers, knight, as above. By K.

An English Chronicle. Jan 1460. And whanne the seyde erle of Warrewyk sawe a conuenient tyme, he sent some of his men to Sandwhyche by nyghte, the whyche took the sayde lorde Ryuers (age 55) and Antony [Woodvill] (age 20)¹ his sone, in theyre beddes, and lad theym ouer to Caleys, and took with theym alle the grete shyppes, saue on called "Grace Dieu," the whyche myghte nat be had awey because she was broke in the botome.

Note 1. Insertion by the hand of Stowe.

Chronicle of Gregory. 15 Jan 1460. But the Erle of Warwycke (age 31) come unto Sondewyche [Map], and there he toke the Lord Rivers (age 55) with his ladye (age 45), the lady and Duchyes of Bedforde^b and brought them to Calys, for he was commaundyd to have londyd at C[a]lys by the King, but he was brought there sonner then him lekyd.

Note b. Jaquetta, widow of the Regent Bedford. She was the daughter of Peter of Luxemburg, Count of St. Pol, and soon after her first husband's death married Sir Richard Woodville, who was created Baron Rivers by Henry VI. in 1448, and Earl Rivers by Edward IV. (who was his son-in law) in 1466.

Chronicle of England by William of Worcester. [15 Jan 1460]. And shortly after the said feast, John Dynham (age 27), with others from Calais, secretly entered Sandwich [Map], and there captured Lord Rivers (age 55) and Anthony Woodville (age 20) his son, with many large ships, and brought them to Calais, where the Earls of March (age 17), Warwick (age 31), and Salisbury (age 60) were present.

Et cito post dictum festum Johannes Denham cum aliis de Calesiæ secrete intravit Sandwycum, ac ibidem cepit dominum de Reverys et Antonium Widwele filium ejus, cum multis magnis navibus, et adduxit Calisiæ, comitibus Marchiæ et Warrewici et Sarum, Calisiæ existentibus.

Around 05 Jun 1460 when the relief expedition led by Osbert Mountfort was ready to to leave Sandwich, Kent [Map] for Guînes, waiting only for a fair wind, the Yorkists John Dynham 1st Baron Dynham (age 27), John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock (age 60), William Neville Baron Fauconberg (age 55) crossed from Calais and attacked Sandwich, Kent [Map] killing many of Osbert's men. Osbert Mountfort was captured. William Neville Baron Fauconberg remained at Sandwich is preparation for the subsequent landing by Yorkist forces at the end of the month.

On 25 Jun 1460 Osbert Mountfort and two of his associates were beheaded on the sands at the foot of the Rysbank Tower [Map] by Yorkist sailors.

On 26 Jun 1460 Edward, Earl of March (age 18) and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 31) landed at Sandwich, Kent [Map].

Patent Rolls. Membrane 17d. 08 May 1460. Commission to Thomas Kiriell (age 64), knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Westminster. Broun, knight, John Fogge, Robert Home and William Hexstall, to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of all men at arms and archers ordered to go with Henry, duke of Exeter (age 29), on the safe-keeping of the sea to resist the king's rebels and enemies, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery.

Patent Rolls. Membrane 13d. 23 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 (age 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 (age 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.

An English Chronicle. 1460 June Yorkist Landing at SandwichJun 1460. Thanne the noble erles of Marche, Warrewyk, and Salysbury, hauyng wynde and weder at thayre plesaunce, arryued graciously at Sandwyche; where met wythe thaym master Thomas Bourchier archebysshop of Caunterbury, and a grete multitude of peple wythe hym; and wythe hys crosse before hym, [he] went forthe wythe the sayde erles and theyre peple toward Londoun, and sente an herowde to the cyte to knowe howe they were dysposed, and whether they wolde stand with theyme in thayre iust quarelle, and graunte hem leve for to passe thoroughe the cite. They that were nat frendely [folio 204b] to the erles, counseyled the mayre and the comynalte for to ley gunneȝ at the brege for to kepe thaym owte, and so a lytelle diuision there was among the citeȝens, but yt was sone ceased.

Chronicle of Gregory. 21 Jun 1460. Alle soo thes for said lordys come agayne unto Sondewyche [Map] the xxj [21] day of June nexte folowyng. And the comyns of Kente and there welle-wyllers brought them to Lundon, and so forthe to Northehampton.

A Brief Latin Chronicle. 25 Jun 1460. In the year of our Lord 1460, around the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, the aforementioned three earls returned to England with a moderate retinue, and many, hearing of their arrival, joined them. They peacefully entered the city of London within the octave of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and, after some were beheaded in Cheapside for their crimes, two earls took the road towards the king. And on the feast of the Seven Holy Brothers, a meeting was held near Northampton, and with the favor of a certain lord from the king's side, they entered the royal tent and gained victory. Where, on the king's side, the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Shropshire, Lord Beaumont, Lord Egremont, among others, were killed, and many fleeing from that side were drowned. The king, however, with the Earls of March and Warwick, was honorably brought back to London and was housed in the Bishop of London's palace.

Anno Domini millesimo cccc°.lx°, circiter festum Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptiste, redierunt predicti tres comites in Angliam cum comitatu mediocri, et multi, audito eorum adventu, adheserunt eis. Civitatem London. infra octavas Apostolorum Petri et Pauli pacifice ingressi sunt, et, quibusdam ob scelera sua in Chepa decapitatis, duo comites iter versus regem arripuerunt. Et in festo Sanctorum Septem Fratrum, facto congressu juxta Northamptone, favore cujusdam domini ex parte regis regale tentorium ingressi sunt et victoriam obtinuerunt. Ubi interfecti sunt, ex parte regis, dux de Bokyngham, comes Salopie, dominus Beaumount, dominus Egremund, cum aliis, et multi ex ea parte fugientes submersi sunt. Rex vero cum comitibus Merchie et Warwic, London. honorifice reductus, in pallacio episcopi Londoniensis hospitatus est.

Chronicle of Enguerrand de Monstrelet Volume 10 Chapter 8. 10 Jul 1460. In this year, there were great troubles, civil wars, and murders in England. Some held for the party of king Henry, such as the duke of Somerset and others; and some held for the party of the duke of York, namely, the earl of Warwick, the earl of Salisbury and others. A severe battle took place, in which numbers of each side fell; but it was gained by the duke of York, who made a treaty with the king, in such wise that, on the decease of the king, the duke was to succeed to the crown, to the prejudice of the prince of Wales, son to king Henry and the daughter of Réné king of Sicily.

Chronicle of Gregory. 10 Jul 1460 And there they mete with the King and foughte manly with the kyngys lordys and mayny, but there was moche favyr in that fylde unto the Erle of Warwycke (age 31). And there they toke the King (age 38), and made newe offycers of the londe, as the chaunceler and tresyrar and othyr, but they occupy de not fo[r]thewith, but abode a seson of the comyng of Duke of York (age 48) out of Irlonde. And in that fylde was slayne the Duke of Bokyngham (age 57), stondyng stylle at his tente, the Erle of Schrovysbury (age 42), the Lord Bemond (age 50), and the Lord Egremond (age 37), with many othyr men. Ande many men were drownyd by syde the fylde in the revyr at a mylle. And that goode knyght Syr Wylliam Lucy (age 56) that dwellyd besyde Northehampton hyrde the gonne schotte, and come unto the fylde to have holpyn the King, but the fylde was done or that he come; an one of the Staffordys was ware of his comynge, and lovyd that knyght is wyffe (age 21) and hatyd hym, and a-non causyd his dethe.

A Chronicle of London. 10 Jul 1460. In this yere, about Midsomer, therles of March, Warwik and Salisbury, landed at Sandwich, gadred people in Kent, and went thurgh London to Northampton; and the kyng had taken a felde, and was slayne on his partie the duke of Bukyngham, therle of Shrowisbury, the lord Beaumont and the lord Egremond, mych peple drowned in the river,

An English Chronicle. 10 Jul 1460. Thanne on the Thurseday the xth day of Juylle, the yere of oure Lorde M¹.CCCC.lx, [1460] at ij [2] howres after none, the sayde erles of Marche and Warrewyk lete crye thoroughe the felde, that no man shuld laye hand vpponne the kyng ne on the commune peple, but onely on the lordes, knyghtes and squyers: thenne the trumpettes blew vp, and bothe hostes countred and faughte togedre half an oure. The lorde Gray (age 43), that was the kynges vawewarde, brake the feelde and came to the erles party, whyche caused sauacione of many a mannys lyfe: many were slayne, and many were fled, and were drouned in the ryuer.

The duk of Bukyngham (age 57), the erle of Shrouesbury (age 42), the lorde Beaumont (age 50), the lorde Egremount (age 37) were slayne by the Kentysshmen besyde the kynges tent, and meny other knyghtes and squyers. The ordenaunce of the kynges gonnes avayled nat, for that day was so grete rayne, that the gonnes lay depe in the water, and so were [folio 206b] queynt and myghte nat be shott.

A Brief Latin Chronicle. Meanwhile, with Lord Scales (age 62) and many others guarding the Tower of London, after cannon shots were fired at the besiegers outside the Tower and sailors on the Thames, many were killed. Eventually, after the Tower was surrendered to Sir John Wenlock (age 59), who was besieging it, Lord Scales, on the night of Saint Margaret¹, attempting to escape by boat from those lying in wait for him, was captured and killed. And shortly thereafter, Sir Thomas Browne (age 57) along with five others, who were condemned for extortion, robbery, and treason, were beheaded at Tyburn.

Note 1. The Feast of Saint Margaret the Virgin i.e. 20th July.

Interim, domino Scales cum multis aliis Turrim London. servante, factis jacturis gunnorum in extra existentes obsessores Turris et nautas in Tamesi, multi interfecti sunt. Tandem, reddita Turre predicta Johanni Wenloc militi obsidenti eam, dominus Scales in nocte Sancte Margarete volens in cimba evadere ab insidiantibus sibi, captus et interfectus est. Et infra breve Thomas Browne miles cum aliis quinque qui super extorcione rapinis et prodicione damnati sunt apud Tyburne decapitati sunt.

Chronicle of Gregory. 20 Jul 1460. As for the sege of the Towre, it is com¹ and opyn i-knowe, I passe ovyr. But son aftyr the ende of the sege the Lord Schalys (age 63), that notabylle warryoure, was slayne at Synt Mary Overeyes [Map] with water men, and laye there dyspoyly nakyd as a worme. But the lordys were full sory of his dethe.

Note 1. Apparently the writer intended to say "commonly."

An English Chronicle. 20 Jul 1460. The lord Scales, for as meche as men of Londoun loued hym nat, he thoughte that he myghte haue stande in the more sewrte in the saintwary of Westmynstre thanne in the toure. Late in the euyn, [he] entred a boote with iij [3] persones rowyng toward Westmynstre, and a wommanne the whiche that knewe hym ascryed hym, and anone the boote men gadered theym togedre and folowed hym, and fylle vpponne hym, and kylde hym and caste hym on the lond, besyde seynt Mary Ouerey. And grete pyte it was, that so noble and so worshypfulle a knyghte, and so welle approued in the warrys of Normandy and Fraunce, shuld dy so myscheuously.

On 20 Jul 1460 Thomas Scales 7th Baron Scales (age 63) was murdered by boatmen whilst travelling from the Tower of London [Map] to Sanctuary, Westminster Abbey [Map]. Elizabeth Scales Countess Rivers succeeded 8th Baroness Scales. She was, or had been married to, Henry Bourchier (the year of his death may been 1458). She was in 1466 married to Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 20), brother of King Edward IV's (age 18) wife Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 23); an example of the Woodville family marrying rich heiresses.

On 03 Aug 1460 King James II of Scotland (age 29) was killed accidentally whilst besieging Roxburgh Castle when a cannon exploded and he was hit by debris. He was buried at Holyrood Abbey, Holyrood. King James III of Scotland (age 9) succeeded III King Scotland.

William Douglas 3rd Lord Drumlanrig (age 20) was present.

A Brief Latin Chronicle. 1460. About this time, James, King of Scotland (age 29), nobly governed his people, restraining thieves and oppressors, expanding agriculture, and maintaining holy justice. In the year of our Lord 1460, with his army, he besieged Roxburgh Castle and was killed by his own cannon, which burst while he stood by it. However, his army demolished the same castle and then withdrew.

Circiter istud tempus Jacobus rex Scocie populum suum nobiliter rexit, fures et oppressores cohibens, agriculturam amplians, sanctam(?) justiciam servans. Hic anno Domini 1460, cum suo exercitu obsedit castrum Rokisburgh et per propriam gunnam suam diruptam, cui astitit, interfectus est. Exercitus tamen ejus idem castrum prostravit et recessit.

An English Chronicle. 10 Aug 1460. Thys same yeere, in the monethe of August, the kyng of Scottes beseged the castelle of Rokesburghe in Northumbreland, and on seynt Laurence day in the mornyng, er he had herde masse, he wolde haue fyred a grete gonne for to have shot to the castelle, and the chambre of the gonne brake and slowe hym.

On 10 Oct 1460 Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 49) claimed the Kingdom of England in Westminster Hall [Map] witnessed by Cardinal Thomas Bourchier (age 42).

Chronicle of Gregory. 09 Sep 1460. Ande this same year the Duke of Yorke (age 48) come out of Yrlonde, and londyd at the Redde Clyffe in Loncaschyre, and his lyvery was whyte and brewe in her clothyng, and i-brawderyd a-bove with fetyrlockys. And this he come forthe towarde London; ande then his lady the duchyes (age 45) met with him in a chare i-coveryd with blewe felewette, and iiij pore coursserys theryn. And so he come to Habyngdon, and there he sende for trompeters and claryners to bryng him to London, and there he gave them baners with the hole armys of Inglonde without any dyversyte, and commaundyd his swerde to ben borne uppe ryghte be-fore hym; and soo he rode forthe unto Lundon tylle he come to Westemyster to Kyng Harrys palys ande there he claymyde the crowne of Inglonde.

An English Chronicle. 08 Oct 1460. And thys same yere the Tewesday the viij. day of Octobre, a parlement was begonne at Westmynstre; and thyder came Richard duk of York, that a lytelle before was come oute of Yrlond, and was loged in the paleys, the kyng beyng there, and brak vp the dores [folio 207b] of the kynges chambre. And the kyng heryng the grete noyse and rumore of the peple, yaafe hym place and took another chambre.

A Chronicle of London. 10 Oct 1460 ... the kyng taken and brought to London, and callid a parliament; and the duke of Yorke came out of Irland, and to Westm' the xth day of Octobre, and there made clayme to the crowne; aggrement was made bitwene the kyng and him, and he was made protectour, his title allowid to be kyng after the kyngs deceas;

On 25 Oct 1460 Parliament enacted the Act of Accord 39 Hen VI by which Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 49) was declared heir to King Henry VI of England and II of France (age 38) disinheriting Edward of Westminster (age 7). At the same Parliament on 31 Oct 1460 Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York was created Prince of Wales, 1st Duke of Cornwall. He was also appointed Lord Protector.

Chronicle of Gregory. Oct 1460. Ande he kept King Harry there by fors and strengythe, tylle at the laste the King for fere of dethe grauntyd him the crowne, for a man that hathe by ly tylle wytte wylle son be a feryd of dethe, and yet I truste and bee-leve there was no man that wolde doo him bodely harme. But the lordys entretyd that Kyng Harry shuld rejoyse the crowne durynge his lyffe, and aftyr his lyffe that the crowne sholde returne unto the dukys is a hayrys as it requyrythe by that tytylle, and here uppon they were swore to ben faythefulle and trewe unto Kyng Harry. And alle so that it shulde [be] b graunte treson to them that spake any evyr c by the Duke of Yorke or his wife, or any of his chyldryn. And alle the lordys grauntyd there to, and soo it was proclaymyd in London and in many placys of Inglond. And that the for-said duke shulde have out of the crow[n]e yearly to his expence, for him and his hayrys durynge Kyng Harrys lyffe, xM [Note. 10000] marke in mony. Thys acordement was made the laste day of October.

On 16 Dec 1460 a Lancastrian force ambushed the forces of the Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York (age 49) near Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Andrew Trollope fought for the Lancastrians. The only source for the battle is William of Worcester's book Annales rerum Anglicarum. See our translation from the Latin text to English on Amazon.

Chronicle of England by William of Worcester. 16 Dec 1460. And in December [....], the parliament was adjourned. The Duke of York, with the Earl of Salisbury and many armed men, headed from London towards York, where their supporters, numbering [....], were ambushed and killed by the forces of the Duke of Somerset at Worksop.

Et mensis Decembris [....] parliamentnm adjornatur. Et dux Eboraci cum comite Sarum, et aliis multis millibus armatis, de Londone versus Eboracum tetenderunt, ubi præeuntes sui ad numerum [....] per gentes ducis Somercetiæ interimuntur apud Worsop.

On 08 Feb 1461 King Edward IV of England (age 18) created four Garter Knights two of whom, Bonville and Kyriell, would be executed nine days later after their capture at the Second Battle of St Albans:

181st Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 32).

182nd William Bonville 1st Baron Bonville (age 68).

183rd Thomas Kyriell (age 65).

184th John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock (age 61).

On 04 Mar 1461 King Edward IV of England (age 18) declared himself King of England. William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings (age 30) was present.

Chronicle of Gregory. Alle soo the xxvj [26] day of Februer nexte folowyng Edwarde Erle of Marche (age 18) com to London owt of Walys and the Erle of Warwycke (age 32) with hym, and xl M¹ [40,000] men with them bothe, and they enteryd unto the cytte of London, and there he toke uppon him the crowne of Inglond by the avysse of the lordys spyrytual and temporalle, and by the elexyon of the comyns. And so he began his rayne the iiij day of Marche, in the year of our lord God M¹CCCC lxj [1461], the Sondy letter D as for that year.

Chronicle of Robert Fabyan. [04 Mar 1461]. Than the foresayde erlys of Marche & of Warwyke sped theym towarde London, in such wyse y^t they came thyder upon the Thursdaye in the fyrst weke of Lent, to whom resortyd all the gentylmen for y^e more party of the South and Eest partye of Englonde. And in this whyle that they thus restyd at London, a great couceyli was callyd of all lordys spyrytuell and temporell that then were there about; by the whiche fynally, after many arguments made, for so moche as kynge Henry, contrary his honour and promesse at y^e last parlyament made and assured, and also for that that he was reputyd vnable and insuffycyent to rule y^e realme, was then by theyr assentys deposyd and dyschargyd of all kyngelye honour and regally. And incontynentlye by auctoryte of the sayde counceyll, and agrement of the commons there present, Edwarde the eldyst sone unto the duke of Yorke, than was there electyd, & the chosen for kyng of Englonde. After which eleccion and admyssyon, the sayde erle of Marche, geuynge lawde and preyse unto God, upon the. iiii. [4] day of Marche, accompanyed with all the foresayd lordys & great multytude of commons, was conveyed unto Westmynster, and there toke possessyon of the realme of Englonde. And syttynge in his astate royall, in the great halle of the same, with his ceptre in hande, a question was axyd of the people then present, if they wolde admytte hym for theyr kyng & soueraygne lord; y^e which w^t one voyce cryed "ye, ye." And the after the accustumyd vse to kynges to swere, & after $ othe takyn, he went into y^eabbay, where he was of the abbot & munkys mette with processyon, and coueyed vino seynt Edwardys shryne, and there offeryd as kyng; & that done, receuyd homage and feaute of all such lordes as there than were present.

On 28 Mar 1461 a skirmish occurred near Ferrybridge. Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 32) fought. John Radclyffe Baron Fitzwalter (age 35) was killed.

John "Butcher" Clifford 9th Baron Clifford (age 25) was killed at Dintingdale. Henry "Shepherd Lord" Clifford 10th Baron Clifford (age 7) succeeded 10th Baron de Clifford, 10th Lord Skipton.

William Neville 1st Earl Kent (age 56) fought for York.

Chronicle of England by William of Worcester. 28 Mar 1461 ... and around Palm Sunday, first at Ferrybridge, Lord Fitzwalter (age 35) was slain.

et circa dominicam Palmarum in primis apud Ferybrygge occisus est dominus Fewater,

Chronicle of Gregory. 28 Mar 1461. And the xxviij day of Marche, that was Palme Sunday evyn, the Lord Fewater (age 35) was slayne at Ferybryge, and many with him was slayne and drownyd. And the Erle of Warwycke (age 32) was hurte yn his legge with an arowe at the same jornaye.

Hall's Chronicle. 28 Mar 1461. The lusty king Edward, perceiving the courage of his trusty friend the earl of Warwick, made proclamation that all men, which were already to fight, should incontinent [ie quickly] depart, and to all me that tarried the battle, he promised great rewards with this addition, that if any soldier, which voluntarily would abide, and in, or before the conflict fly, or turn his back, that then he that could kill him should have a great remuneration and double wages. After this proclamation ended the lord Fauconberg, sir Water Blount, Robert Home with the forward, passed the river at Castleford three miles from Ferrybridge, intending to have environed and enclosed the lord Clifford and his company, but they being thereof advertised, departed in great haste toward king Henry's army, but they meet with some that they looked not for, and were trapped or they were ware [?]. For the lord Clifford, either bridge for heat or pain, putting of his gorget, suddenly with an arrow (as some say) without an head, was struck into the throat, and incontinent rendered his spirit, and the earl of Westmorland's brother and all his company almost were there slain, at a place called Dintingdale, not far from Towton. This end had he, which slew the young earl of Rutland, kneeling on his knees: whose young son Thomas Clifford was brought up with a shepherd, in poor habit, and dissimuled behaviour ever in fear, to publish his lineage or degree, till king Henry the vii obtained the crown, and got the diadem: by whom he was restored to his name and possessions.

Around Jun 1461, the record is very vague, King Edward IV (age 19) and Eleanor Talbot (age 25) were possibly secretly married by Bishop Robert Stillington (age 41). The marriage came to light after Edward's death. Bishop Robert Stillington provided the information to the future King Richard III of England (age 8) in 1483; Richard used the information to justify his succeeding to be King since Edward IV's children with Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 24) were, therefore, illegitimate as a result of their marriage being bigamous and George Duke of Clarence's (age 11) children were barred from the throne as a consequence of their father's attainder.