The Battle of Wakefield was a critical encounter during the Wars of the Roses, which represented the conflict between the rival houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. In late 1460, tensions flared as Richard Plantagenet, the 3rd Duke of York, sought to solidify his position in the North. After his previous successes, including the capture of key cities, he established a stronghold in Sandal Castle near Wakefield. However, Queen Margaret of Anjou, leading the Lancastrian forces, aimed to reclaim power and to eliminate Yorkist threats.

On December 30, the Lancastrians launched a surprise attack against Duke Richard's forces. Despite being outnumbered and initially fortified in their position, the Yorkists were caught off guard due to a lapse in vigilance. The battle quickly escalated, leading to chaos on the battlefield. The Lancastrians employed strategic tactics, which ultimately overwhelmed the Duke's troops. The fighting culminated in the death of Richard Plantagenet, whose defeat was a significant loss for the Yorkists. The desperate scene saw his severed head displayed on a pike, symbolizing the stark reality of the brutal power struggle.

The aftermath of the battle precipitated a major shift in the dynamics of the conflict. With the death of Duke Richard, leadership of the Yorkists now passed to his son, Edward IV, who would seek to avenge his father's death and ultimately change the tide of war. Wakefield underscored the relentless nature of the Wars of the Roses, and how quickly fortunes could shift in this bloody contest for the English throne. By rallying around her husband's cause, Margaret galvanized the Lancastrian supporters, and for a moment, they seemed to regain some control in a tumultuous period. This battle is remembered not only for its immediate impacts but also for the long, drawn-out consequences it entailed for both factions.