The Battle of Tewkesbury 1471 | Wars of the Roses

The Battle of Tewkesbury 1471.
Chris Green (The History Chap) tells another bloody story from the Wars of the Roses.
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Chapters
0:00 The Wars of the Roses
0:55 Battle of Barnet
1:40 Margaret of Anjou
5:55 Medieval Warfare
7:25 Who fought at Tewkesbury?
8:45 The Battle of Tewkesbury
11:00 Edward IV
13:24 The History Chap
#thebattleoftewkesbury #warsoftheroses #thebattleoftewkesbury1471
#gameofthrones #historyofengland #margaretofanjou
The Battle of Tewkesbury was fought in 1471, during the Wars of the Roses.
The battle resulted in the death (or execution) of the son and heir of the Lancastrian, Henry VI, and the execution of their key ally, the Duke of Somerset.
Henry VI’s wife, Margaret of Anjou was present at the battle and sought sanctuary in Tewkesbury Abbey before surrendering.
The Yorkist victory left Edward IV unchallenged for the next 12 years until he died in 1483.
The Wars of the Roses was a dynastic civil war, pitched two rival factions of the royal house of Plantagenet (the houses of York and Lancaster) against each other in a 30 years conflict for the throne of England.
Following the defeat of her ally, Warwick the Kingmaker, Margaret of Anjou landed in England with a Lancastrian army in a bid to rescue her husband, Henry VI.
Rushing up the west side of England in a desperate bid to join forces with another one of her key supporters, Jasper Tudor she tried to find a crossing over the River Severn.
Having been denied access to Gloucester, she moved upstream to Tewkesbury.
Edward’s Yorkist army was not just a few miles behind them and Margaret of Anjou along with her senior commanders decided that she could not risk a river-crossing.
The Lancastrians turned to fight.
The Battle of Tewkesbury was fought the next morning - 4th May 1471.
The Lancastrian army was nominally commanded by Henry VI’s 17-year old son and heir, Edward Prince of Wales, but more experienced commanders actually took tactical command.
The battle started with a fierce cannon barrage from the Yorkist army which the Lancastrians could match.
Unable to respond and with no room to fall back, Somerset decided that the only option was to attack.
Richard of Gloucester wheeled his men to meet his attack and then Somerset was attacked in his flank by 200 mounted spearman that Edward had hidden in Tewkesbury Park.
Edward pressed home his attack.
The Lancastrians found themselves trapped between the advancing Yorkists and the River Swilgate. The Swilgate is not much of a river compared to either the Avon or the Severn but its steep banks made it a death trap for the Lancastrians.
2,000 of the Lancastrian army fell in an area now known as Bloody Meadow including Henry VI’s son & heir, the Prince of Wales.
He is buried in front of the altar in Tewkesbury Abbey.
Margaret surrendered to Edward, who returned to London in triumph on the 21st May.
That very night, Henry VI died (most probably murdered) in The Tower of London.
The grieving Margaret of Anjou, went into exile in France for the remaining 11 years of her life.
Edward IV was to reign for the next 12 years with little opposition ushering in a period of peace and going prosperity.
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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or KZbin animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@richardthompson9836]

Greetings again from Orlando. When I was 14 back in 1962, and while living with my grandmother for the summer, I used to ride my bicycle from Worcester over to Tewkesbury and poke around the battlefield. There wasn't much to look at but it filled my young imagination with countless images. My grandmother's house was on Camp Hill Rd near Red Hill from where the Battle of Worcester took place. I dug up a nice old flintloc trigger mechanism, a couple of old coins, and some bits of clay pipe in her back garden. They are still my prized possessions. Thanks for the memories. You're the best!

[@guycalabrese4040]

Clay pipe? Then it can't be from this battle since Columbus discovered the americas 1492 and smoking didn't catch on until later... Those pieces of claypipe has nothing to do with the battle mentioned here....

[@richardthompson9836]

@@guycalabrese4040 Thanks Guy. I'm sorry. I know it didn't have anything to do with Tewkesbury. I was just making mention of the Battle of Worcester around 1651 and the interesting things from my granny's back guarden. I don't know if the artifacts I found were even from that battle or not.

[@jason-iv5lb]

@@richardthompson9836 Thanks for sharing what you dug up in your grans back garden

[@TheHistoryChap]

Richard, Thanks for taking the time to comment and to share your memories. Strangely enough, the Battle of Worcester is on my hit list for future talks. So please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it. kzbin.info Best wishes, Chris

[@richardthompson9836]

@@TheHistoryChap Many thanks! I am subscribed and look forward with great anticipation to your next installment. My gran's neighbor dug up a Cromwellian cook pot and what was left of an old sword. Gosh, I love the UK and her rich history, half of which is part of me and I'll take it!

[@paulsmith3026]

I have listened to many historians over the years , going back to the greatest , A J P Taylor, but this channel ranks among the very best I have watched , cannot wait for the next episode .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Wow, thank you for your kind words. If you haven't already, please do subscribe so that you don't miss future episodes: kzbin.info

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

Me and my friends were in the reenactment battle of Tewkesbury, we were very welcomed as Irish and we loved the the other English reenactment groups. The fighting must have been horrendous back then but in reality we're not actually trying to kill each other. However seen many people getting knocked out in the reenactment fights.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I've got a friend who is involved in Civil War reenactments, who shares similar stories about people being knocked out! Thanks for sharing & if you enjoyed please do subscribe to my KZbin channel: kzbin.info

[@michaelcharlton8896]

Every time anyone says “Margaret of Anjou,” I want to say “Bless you!” Be that as it may, we have a very bloody history, but it is soooooo compelling, and you recount it so very well! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

You missed your career on the stage :)

[@doconline]

You've quickly become one of my favorite history channels and I can't wait to see that subscriber count start reflecting the quality of content you provide here. Fantastic video as always!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@timbarlow1674]

Thank you , that was brilliant, you bring history to life.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks Tim. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@harryshriver6223]

It always amazes me the paths of destiny which seem to interlock people. Well done, amigo 🎉

[@TheHistoryChap]

I call it, the golden threat of history that connects us to each other, and the events of the past

[@harryshriver6223]

@@TheHistoryChap I like that, awesome opossum!

[@margaretbarker2320]

Great video. We went to the reenactment of the battle of Tewkesbury yesterday!

[@TheHistoryChap]

I was there too. A bit wet!

[@martinphilip8998]

As a visiting student from America, I took A level Tudor history at Henbury Comprehensive in Bristol. The best thing I came away with was a desire to read history. So for the last 55 years I’ve been catching up. I can’t get enough of great storytellers like you. Thx.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks for watching.

[@victorydaydeepstate]

You have an awesome channel. Exponential growth. Well done sir!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@NERunner]

Just brilliant, Chris - your enthusiasm shines through :)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks Simon.

[@davidhalen1198]

Your videos are so very entertaining and educational. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. I'm glad you are enjoying them. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@gazza2933]

Thanks Chris. A very comprehensive and well presented video. The Wars Of The Roses was an incredible period in English History. You couldn't even have written a script for it! 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it,

[@FOGSmokebeer]

Run run to the hills "but sir they are coming from the hills"...oh run run if you see the hills run the other way...

[@TheHistoryChap]

One of my favourite "Blackadder" moments. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@mr.svenson3406]

Haven’t regretted one moment of being a subscriber! Thank you for such diverse, informative and interesting content.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support. You might be interested in my website: www.thehistorychap.com

[@fredazcarate4818]

Sir I wish to thank you for producing another gem. I enjoyed both the narrative and photo graphs etc.. I look forward to your next video. God bless you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, Fred. If you haven't already, please do subscribe to my channel so that you don't miss future videos: kzbin.info

[@davidbruce5524]

When you get a chance, Do the Opium Wars, esp the second with the taku forts and the pillaging of the Summer Palace.. Great vid on Tewkesbury! Keep up the great work

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hi David, Thanks for your kind feedback and ideas for future talks. I will add to my ever-growing list. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@curtisknott7014]

Hi. How are you today. My name is Neil Curtis McCue. Im a lover of History and so appreciate the hard work it must take to do all that goes into your programming. One day i will become a patron so keep on keeping on. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks, Curtis, I'm glad that you are enjoying them. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@curtisknott7014]

Yep, already a subscriber. 😎

[@steveoconnor7069]

Great video and entertaining as always.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks, Steve. If you haven't please do subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future videos: kzbin.info

[@ukgroover]

Brilliant video. The images of the real place makes it so immersive and vivid.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks. I’m glad that you enjoyed my story. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@Michael-ws7rc]

Change of setting; was the room with all the books being renovated…? Laughter. I continue to enjoy your videos… keep it up, friend!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for your support.

[@richardmackenzie6964]

I agree you present history of extremely well…God Bless You

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@Ninja.Alinja]

„Look, some of the men aren’t even fighting, they’re just laying down.“ „They’re dead Mylord.“

[@TheHistoryChap]

Blackadder has a lot to answer for!!!!

[@simonnoble7589]

Great show , enjoyed watching it . Thank you for your hard work ... cheers Simon

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@rovered3949]

Loving these videos and learning much about our military history. Is it possible, at some time, to include the Battle of Mirbat and he part Talaiasi Labalaba played in it please. I feel this heroic stance should get more recognition that it has at present. Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Several people have requested the battle of Mirbat so I will move up my hit-list.

[@bobfreestone1752]

I wish you'd been my history teacher! Thankyou.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks Bob. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info Chris

[@rnf1227]

Excellent!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@jockster5525]

Quality mate 😁😁

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind words. If you haven't already, then please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@jeffbaxter8770]

Great show, thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, Jeff. If you haven't already done so, please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@mikeriv60]

Very informative, great job.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks, Mike. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@billevans7936]

A fine video...well done

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment.

[@Jb-ev8nv]

Nice video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@garycornwell2431]

Thank you my friend for these very informative videos. GOD bless you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Gary, thank you for your kind words. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info Chris

[@markcolyer1989]

Very interesting and informative thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Excellent stuff. The Wars of the Roses are certainly complicated. No link to the next battle though.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ah, I will add it this week.

[@andrewwise479]

Good stuff (although us Gloucester people get irritated when our city is referred to as a town!) 😀

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad that you enjoyed my story and apologies for the "town." Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@robinwhitebeam3955]

Battle of Tewkesbury re-enactment is on 8th and 9th July 2023, see you there!

[@TheHistoryChap]

There on Sunday. Drop me a line via my website and let's see if we can meet up (www.thehistorychap.com)

[@johnlamond4463]

Just another comment that needs mentioning. Gloucester loyally served his brother in the North of England for the 12 years after Tewkesbury. His seat was Middleham Castle, an imposing fortress from which he kept the Scots, the Percies and Nevilles subdued and the North peaceful.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Ye_Olde_Duke_of_Edinburgh]

I don't think it can be overstated just how treacherous it is crossing the River Severn.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I find the politics of this time fascinating.

[@NathanDudani]

Could you please do the first year of Edward VI

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks Nathan, I will add to my ever growing list. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos as I release them. kzbin.info

[@guycalabrese4040]

1:20 No, there is no link appearing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Guy, try this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apbMkIiIa5KIjJo

[@winnifredforbes1114]

You GO, girl!😱😹

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@carlajenkins1990]

In The Hallow Crown, Tewkesbury is where Edward IV and Richard III (York) are at the hanging tree. Prince Edward (Lancaster) mouths off and gets his throat cut.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Pyjamarama11]

Imagine how few wars there would be today if our leaders had to pick-up a weapon and join the field

[@TheHistoryChap]

Would be interesting.

[@johnlamond4463]

Very much enjoyed this one.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching it.

[@davehause8571]

The links you refer to at the end of the video don't show up for me.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hi Dave, here is the link to the next battle in this war - the battle of Bosworth:kzbin.info/www/bejne/goS4g6yBhNyebdE

[@Baskerville22]

Were there any European mercenary contingents in the Lancastrian army at Tewkesbury ? After their losses in earlier Wars of the Roses battles, there could not have been too many from the decimated Lancastrian side eager to front up again for more of the same at Tewkesbury.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Not sure about that one

[@lonnietoth5765]

Combined leadership is a problem . If a unit , in line , commits itself out of necessity , supporting units must in some way act to support or that unit will be on their own , isolated , surrounded and destroyed. This almost happened in July 1863 at Gettysburg in our Civil war. A Union Brigade advanced too far in advance of its flanking brigades . The other units could not advance without weakening the whole line , plus no orders to advance . Luckily , reserve unit commanders were smart enough to fill in the gap . The Scots found this out when their own supporting cavalry left one of their battles with Longshanks , exposing their flanks . Cannons ? Game breakers . Should have at least spiked the guns they lost . Being King / Queen is not all Balls and Estates . The loser ? OUCH !

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment and share lessons from other battles in history

[@jona.scholt4362]

If anyone wants to know why some guys fall in love with history (or more specifically, Medieval History) when they're a kid, just look at the picture @7:00.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing why are you love History.

[@guvdagroove]

just think if clifford hadnt murderd edmond of rutland this could of been less bloody cause all this was revenge for edward for that murduer

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hardly surprising that these wars gave George R. R. Martin some of the ideas for "A Song of Ice & Fire" - Game of Thrones.

[@reynardthefox]

no one counted on the persistence of Margaret of Beaufort

[@TheHistoryChap]

She was certainly a driven woman.

[@reynardthefox]

@@TheHistoryChap and my direct relative...kinda scary

[@innerdinosaur2757]

Hello everyone 🇺🇦🦖🌻🚜✌️

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hello to you too.

[@robertmcgovern8850]

Perhaps more to the point, Lancaster should have learned to stay away from Somersets as generals! They were bloody awful at it. Also diplomacy. Schmoozing up to the queen, perhaps even to the point of fathering Edward Prince of Wales ... that the Beauforts could manage. Also, having their heads chopped off was a talent of theirs. And Cardinal Henry Beaufort was a clever chap. But mostly the offspring of John of Gaunt by his third wife (who had been his first wife's governess/pantry maid) were hopeless. Even Margaret Beaufort, last of the line, was more headstrong than wise. Was smart enuf to lean on Jasper, tho. He was a dude.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Robert, thanks for adding that perspective. If you enjoyed then please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info

[@jameswoodard2232]

and the conclusion of this bloodshed? Another landlord you have to pay.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It certainly was never about the peasant population

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Media has ruined this bit of history for me , not in a hateful way , I just can’t divorce Tewksbury from the image of a tank bursting through a brick wall followed by Sir Ian Mckellen in a gas mask and firing a c-95 .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Please make sure to subscribe for future videos. kzbin.info