The Battle of Edgecote Moor - On this day in history

On this day in history, 1469: The Battle of Edgecote Moor (during the Wars of the Roses) took place between Richard Neville and Edward IV. The king’s forces were defeated, leading to his overthrow the following year (though he did come back to reign for a second time – 1471-1483). No-one knows how many of our ancestors fought or perished, either on the Yorkist side, or the Lancastrian one, but it’s one of the most notable battles on English soil and is commemorated to this day with an annual walk organised by the Medieval Siege Society: medieval-siege-society.co.uk.

5 facts about the Wars of the Roses (as we really should know about this old schooldays’ hot topic, shouldn’t we?)

1. The fight lasted for three decades, 1455-1485, and was bitter and bloody.
2. The fight was between the two sides of the White Rose of York and the Red Rose of Lancaster.
3. Both sides claimed true royal descent – with sons of Edward III on their family trees.
4. In 1483, Richard III infamously usurped his nephews and took his brother’s throne for himself.
5. Two years later, Henry Tudor slew Richard at the Battle of Bosworth Field. The Wars came to an end, and the Tudors came to power.

Pictured: A painting showing members of the rival sides, choosing red roses or white to show their allegiances.