Battle of Bosworth Field

battle_name=Battle of Bosworth Field

The Battle

The battle lasted about two hours, and began well for the king. Unfortunately for him, Sir William Stanley chose to enter the fray on Henry's side, with Lord Thomas Stanley abstaining from the conflict all together.

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Richard reached Ambion Hill first and his troops were well-rested going into the battle, while Henry's men had trouble lining up on the rough ground below (it is not clear why). Richard might have charged then, possibly slaughtering the disorganised Lancastrians, but he missed his chance. When Henry finally got ready, his men used cannon and arrows to force Richard to come down from his hilltop. When Richard did, he called for Lord Northumberland, who commanded the right wing of Richard's army, to join in with fresh forces. But Northumberland refused, holding his forces back from action. Although he was captured on the day, he was soon released and confirmed in all his titles and lands by the new King Henry VII. But it was the decision of Lord Stanley, waiting nearby, that tipped the battle's outcome in favor of Henry.

Related Topics:
Ambion Hill - Cannon - Arrows

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After Richard's commander, John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk, was slain, and before the waiting armies of Lords Stanley and Northumberland chose sides, Richard attempted a valiant, suicidal charge against Henry, who had stayed well clear of most of the fighting. In the attack, Richard killed Henry's standard bearer, William Brandon. But while Richard was within sight of Henry, Lord Stanley's army moved, surrounding Richard and the men of his Household. Thus was Richard cut down. He was 32 years of age.

Related Topics:
John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk - Charge

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Richard of York was the second and last English king to die in battle (Harold Godwinson at Hastings, 1066, killed by the Normans, was the first). He was the only king from the north, and the last of the Plantagenet kings. His body was ignominiously treated by the victors.

Related Topics:
Harold Godwinson - Hastings - 1066 - Normans - Plantagenet

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The battle proved to be decisive in ending the long-running medieval series of English Civil Wars later be to known as the Wars of the Roses, although the last battle was actually to be fought at Stoke two years later (1487).

Related Topics:
Medieval - English Civil Wars - Wars of the Roses - Stoke - 1487

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