Battle of Towton
1461 · Towton (modern Yorkshire, England) · World · Medieval
The two armies fought fiercely all day in heavy snow; after Yorkist reinforcements arrived and broke through on the flank, the Lancastrian army fled, and many drowned in the river.
Belligerents
Yorkists
- Commanders
- Edward IV
- Strength
- Yorkist army
Lancastrians
- Commanders
- Duke of Somerset
- Strength
- Lancastrian army
Background
With the Wars of the Roses underway, the Yorkists had proclaimed Edward IV king, and the Lancastrians mustered a large army to win back the throne.
Course of the battle
- StandoffIn heavy snow, the two armies formed up facing each other on the open field of Towton.
- Fierce fightingThe two sides fought fiercely all day, and for a time the front was locked in stalemate.
- RoutYorkist reinforcements arrived and broke through the flank, and the Lancastrian army fled.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1461 |
|---|---|
| Place | Towton (modern Yorkshire, England) |
| Result | The two armies fought fiercely all day in heavy snow; after Yorkist reinforcements arrived and broke through on the flank, the Lancastrian army fled, and many drowned in the river. |
| Winner | Yorkists |
| Casualties | Both sides suffered heavy casualties, the Lancastrian army especially so. |
| Territorial change | The Yorkists consolidated their hold on the English throne. |
Impact
Regarded as the bloodiest single-day battle ever fought on English soil, it secured Edward IV's throne.
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