The Towton Battlefield Society Supports King Richard III

We added a new Supporter page to our website, a page dedicated to the Towton Battlefield Society.

For years or even centuries, the importance of this battle lay forgotten. A group of dedicated people came together in the year 1993 to revive the memory and preserve the area, where the fate of England was decided on Palm Sunday in the year 1461.
A holy day saw the blodiest battle, England ever suffered. Estimations are that about 27,000 men died in this battle between the Lancastrian and Yorkist fractions.

To commemorate this fiercely fought battle, the Towton Battlefield Society has an event on Palm Sunday each year and kindly sent us the announcement and description of this event.

Britain’s Biggest Battle Bears Testimony to Those Who Will Never Forget

 

This Palm Sunday, 1st April marks the commemoration of Britain’s bloodiest encounter, the Battle of Towton, fought on 29th March, 1461 during the Wars of The Roses.

 

The event will be recognised by Towton Battlefield Society who have, since 1993, tirelessly worked for the battlefield’s protection and acknowledgement as a place of national significance. The battle, which was preceded by two major skirmishes at Ferrybridge and Dintingdale, raged all day in blizzard conditions until the Lancastrians were routed, many drowning in Cock Beck. Towton was a climactic battle between the houses of York and Lancaster; chivalry was dead and the order went out for no quarter to be given. The Lancastrian king, Henry VI was not skilled in battle and spent the time at York Minster, devoting his prayers to a victory, leaving the proud and haughty Duke of Somerset to lead his army. The commander of the Yorkist faction and self-proclaimed King of England, the nineteen year old Edward IV, was a natural leader though, and inspired his men on a tortuous forced march from London to meet their implacable foes. Outnumbered and exhausted the Yorkists were hard-pressed and on the brink of collapse when reinforcements were led onto the field by the Duke of Norfolk and victory was now within Edward’s grasp. You will be able to see the route the fleeing Lancastrians took on Palm Sunday as guided walks are planned every 15 minutes from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

 

TBS are a registered charity, aided entirely by volunteer help. Their objectives are to preserve the integrity of the battlefield, educate the public and promote research into the battle and related medieval history. In the early days very few members of the public knew about the dramatic events at Towton but now, scarcely a week goes by without an article being published in the Press or the battle getting a mention on TV programmes.

 

TBS Chairman Mark Taylor said, “We have a real extravaganza in store this year. This is recognised by many medieval re-enactors as the place to be and we have an action-packed agenda including archery, sword-fighting and falconry. Our Patron, the actor Robert Hardy, will also be putting in an appearance and we are being supported by Welcome to Yorkshire, who realise what a boost our attraction is to tourism in the area. Nonetheless, conscious of the current pinch on the public’s purse strings, we are pitching the entry fee at only £2.00 per person so that families can have a great but inexpensive day out.”

 

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this event, which attracted more than 3,000 visitors last year. We’re looking forward to it being a great success once more.”

 

So, at £2.00 entrance fee, free car parking and a full day’s agenda with something to please everyone in the family, this event is not one to be missed. Turn up at Towton Hall on Palm Sunday, 1st April, for a warm Yorkshire welcome.