The First Battle of St Albans was the inaugural clash in the Wars of the Roses, a prolonged conflict between the rival houses of York and Lancaster for control over the English crown. Tensions had been escalating for years prior to the battle, marked by political machinations and shifting allegiances among the English nobility due to the weaknesses of King Henry VI, who was plagued by bouts of mental illness. Richard, Duke of York, a key figure in the Yorkist faction, capitalized on these vulnerabilities, rallying his followers to his cause.

On May 22, 1455, the forces loyal to Richard confronted those of King Henry VI in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Despite being outnumbered, York's troops employed effective tactics that focused on seizing key positions and surprising the Lancastrians, which ultimately led to a rout of the royal forces. The light cavalry and well-coordinated infantry of the Yorkists proved decisive in the engagement. One of the most notable moments of the battle was when King Henry was captured, which dramatically shifted the balance of power between the warring factions.

In the aftermath, Richard Duke of York found himself in a position of significant influence, as he was now seen as a major contender for the throne. The capture of Henry VI not only allowed the Yorkists to exert control over the King but also set a precedent for the power struggles that would continue as the wars unfolded. Following this battle, various political alliances and enmities evolved, contributing to the protracted struggle for supremacy between the opposing houses that would span over three decades.