The Battle of Tewkesbury | Battle Trail

A visit to Tewkesbury is incomplete without a trip to the battle fields. Tewkesbury was the location of one of the most important battles during the Wars of the Roses, and the town has been defined by it ever since. So, being the historians that we are, J and I popped into the Tewkesbury Visitor Information Centre and picked up a Battle Trail map for 1 pound. 

The Battle of Tewkesbury took place on 4 May 1471. Margaret of Anjou, the exiled wife of King Henry VI, had landed in England to try and claim her son's place on the throne. However, she knew she could not defeat King Edward IV's army on her own, and needed a place cross the River Severn into Lancastrian supported Wales. The Yorkist army caught up to the Lancastrians at Tewkesbury, and a battle broke out. 

A total of 11,000 men fought at the battle. The Lancastrians army consisted of 5,000, most of whom were foot soldiers. The Yorkist army however had 6,000 men, most of whom were archers and mounted soldiers. Edward IV and his army overpowered the Lancastrians, and Margaret of Anjou was defeated and imprisoned. 

The walk itself takes a little over an hour. The trail guides you through a series of unmarked fields and gates. The map isn't terribly clear to understand, but well worth doing if you love history/ a little adventure! We even made a few friends along the way!

Happy Thursday!

xoxo

Tewkesbury Abbey | Gloucestershire, England

Tewkesbury Abbey is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture surviving in England. The original church was built in the 8th century, however the current building began construction in the 12th century. The abbey was one of the richest in all of medieval England, and is home of the graves of two great Plantagenets, George Duke of Clarence and Isabel Neville. During the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, Lancastrian nobles fled into the abbey, hoping to claim sanctuary. However, Edward IV broke sanctuary and violence broke out within the abbey walls. 

Tewkesbury Abbey is one of my favorite churches in England. After Wells Cathedral, I find Tewkesbury to be unique and beautiful in its own way. Its fantastic Norman architecture and historical significance makes it a perfect stop on a trip to Gloucestershire! 

Happy Monday!

xoxo

A 15th Century Ale House | Hidden Treasures in Tewkesbury

Just a thirty minute stroll outside the center of Tewkesbury is a 15th century ale house called the Lower Lode Inn. We were told to make a trip to the ale house by the Tewkesbury Visitor Centre, and we were not disappointed. Veering off the Battle Trail, we found the ale house fairly easily. The problem was the giant river separating us from our destination. The Visitor Centre had told us there was a ferry service, and after some confusion we finally figured out how to signal the gentleman driving the tiny boat. In fact, that particular ferry service can trace its roots all the way back to the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 when Lancastrians tried to flee to the other side of the river!

The weather was absolutely perfect. I spent a solid 3 hours here, just sitting and reading. The staff was extremely friendly and it was obviously the perfect stop for bikers and families alike. My only complaint was the wait for the food. With the amount of people visiting, we knew we were going to have to wait a bit for our order. However, we ended up waiting an hour and a half for two starters! Obviously we were enjoying just sitting and reading, but considering it was a Saturday, I was expecting slightly faster service. Despite the wait, our starter dishes were absolutely amazing. 

If you have the time and don't mind a little adventure, I would highly suggest making the trek out to this historic ale house!

Happy Friday!
xoxo

A Minibreak in Tewkesbury

 Located in Gloucestershire, Tewkesbury was the location of one of the most important battles during the Wars of the Roses. The entire town is frozen in 1471, so obviously I found it to be a little haven.

The Battle of Tewkesbury took place on 4 May 1471. Margaret of Anjou led her Lancastrian forces against Edward IV and the Yorkists, ending in her defeat and imprisonment. I won't go into too much detail on the battle in this post as  I also did the Battle Trail hike, so expect more on that to come! Today, Tewkesbury still celebrates the significance of the battle. Businesses and homes fly the banners of the men who fought in the battle, and the entire city is decorated in over a hundred different coats of arms! 

I stayed at the Tudor House Hotel. Located on the high street, the hotel allowed  easy access to all the sites I wanted to see, while simultaneously providing me with the beautiful country inn feel. My room overlooked the Avon, and a Full English Breakfast was included in my stay! Although my room was not located in the original 16th century building, I enjoyed our stay in this historic hotel!

Tewkesbury was a pleasantly surprising find. I was worried I would run out of things to do, but Tewkesbury actually has so much to offer! I would recommend this tiny town to anyone who enjoys a historic trip! The map below marks all our stops on my trip, but expect a post on each to come!

Happy Monday!
xoxo