Edward IV Triumphs at Tewkesbury

May 4th, 1471

May 4th, 1471

Edward IV Triumphs at Tewkesbury
How Long Ago?

553 years, 10 months, 11 days ago

Location

Tewkesbury, England

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

Wars of the Roses

People
  • Edward IV
  • Margaret of Anjou
  • Edward of Westminster
Links & References
Tags

Edward IV Triumphs at Tewkesbury

The Battle of Tewkesbury saw Edward IV's forces decisively defeat the Lancastrian army, resulting in the death of Edward of Westminster, the Prince of Wales. This battle represented a critical moment in the Wars of the Roses, as it solidified the Yorkist grip on the English throne following years of conflict between the two rival factions, the Yorks and the Lancasters.

Edward IV led the Yorkists to victory.

Edward of Westminster was killed in battle.

The battle secured Yorkist control of England.

Margaret of Anjou was captured post-battle.

What Happened?

The Battle of Tewkesbury occurred during the Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts for the English throne between the houses of Lancaster and York. The battle took place on May 4, 1471, near the town of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, England. Edward IV, the Yorkist king, faced off against a Lancastrian army led primarily by the Prince of Wales, Edward of Westminster, and his supporters, including Margaret of Anjou, the widow of Henry VI. The battle was a culmination of the Lancastrian attempts to regain power after being ousted by Edward IV in previous years.

On the day of the battle, the Yorkist forces executed a well-planned tactical advantage, using the terrain and their superior numbers to encircle and overpower the Lancastrians. The combat was fierce and chaotic, with significant losses on both sides. As the battle reached its climax, Edward of Westminster was killed, marking a turning point for the Lancastrians. Following this defeat, Margaret of Anjou was captured, and the hopes of the Lancastrians for regaining the throne were severely diminished, leading to a Yorkist resurgence in England.

The aftermath of Tewkesbury proved devastating for the Lancastrian cause. The deaths of key figures led to internal strife and the eventual collapse of their resistance against Yorkist rule. This battle not only confirmed Edward IV's position as king but also paved the way for his extended reign and increased stability for the Yorkist line until the final episodes of the Wars of the Roses.

Why Does it Matter?

The Battle of Tewkesbury is a key moment in the Wars of the Roses due to its decisive outcome, which effectively ended the Lancastrian challenge to the Yorkist crown. The death of Edward of Westminster eliminated the last legitimate heir to the Lancastrian claim, thus allowing Edward IV to solidify his power without fear of direct opposition from the mainstream Lancastrian forces. This battle highlighted the intense factional strife in England and set the stage for the eventual ascendancy of the Tudors, who rose from the ashes of this conflict.

Discover More Historic Events from May 4th

Crime & Law

Mass Shooting in Mladenovac and Smederevo

May 4th, 2023 1 years ago

A shooter opened fire in Mladenovac and Smederevo, Serbia, resulting in nine fatalities and thirteen injuries. This incident marked the second mass shooting to occur in the country within a span of just two days, raising concerns about gun violence and public safety. The locations of the shootings led to heightened fears among residents and prompted discussions of potential policy changes regarding firearms.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

First all-female motorsport race at Hockenheimring

May 4th, 2019 5 years ago

The inaugural race of the W Series took place at Hockenheimring, showcasing the talents of female drivers in a competitive environment. Jamie Chadwick emerged victorious, marking a significant milestone in women's racing. This event aimed to promote gender equality in motorsport, providing a platform for female racers to shine. The W Series featured highly talented competitors, and Chadwick would ultimately claim the championship title by the end of the season, leaving a lasting legacy in motorsport history.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Nairobi Bombings Kill Three and Injure Sixty-Two

May 4th, 2014 10 years ago

A pair of bombings targeted public buses in Nairobi, resulting in three fatalities and 62 injuries. The blasts occurred during the morning rush hour, amplifying panic among commuters. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos amidst the smoke and debris, with emergency responders rushing to assist the injured. The attack was attributed to escalating tensions and concerns over security in Kenya, particularly linked to threats from militant groups.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Greensburg Tornado Leaves Devastation in Kansas

May 4th, 2007 17 years ago

On May 4, 2007, a powerful EF5 tornado struck Greensburg, Kansas, devastating the town with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour. This tornado, measuring 1.7 miles wide, resulted in severe destruction, obliterating homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. With the Enhanced Fujita scale being utilized for the first time, this tornado marked a significant event in meteorological history. Rescue efforts commenced swiftly to aid the residents, as the community faced the daunting task of recovery from the extensive damage.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Plane Crash Near Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport

May 4th, 2002 22 years ago

A passenger aircraft crashed near Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 103 individuals and injuries to 51 others. The aircraft, flying under the operations of a commercial airline, encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. This incident raised serious questions regarding aviation safety standards in the region and the specific airline's operational protocols. Rescue operations were initiated swiftly, although the scale of casualties made immediate recovery efforts challenging.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Ken Livingstone elected as first Mayor of London

May 4th, 2000 24 years ago

Ken Livingstone was elected as the inaugural Mayor of London after a landslide victory in the newly established office. The election marked a significant shift in the political landscape of London, as the role was distinct from the Lord Mayor of London, traditionally a ceremonial position. Livingstone campaigned on issues like transportation and urban renewal, winning public support for his bold vision for the city's future, ultimately transforming London’s governance.

Continue Reading