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