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.