Date: 2nd February, 1461
Time: started - midday
Location: Mortimer's Cross, near Welsh border
Factions: York vs Lancaster
Victor: York
Troops/inventory: York - 11,000 men-at-arms (including 5,000 archers), no artillery
Lancaster - 4,000 - 8,000 men-at-arms (including mercenaries), no artillery
Injuries/fatalities of interest: York: none;
Lancaster:
- Owen
Tudor (captured, beheaded)
- Sir John Throckmorton (captured, beheaded)
Total slain: 4,000 mostly Lancastrian
Interesting bit: The Battle of Mortimer's Cross could be described as
a turning point in the military career of Edward Plantagenet (later King
Edward IV). While it is important that a battle commander be skilled and
brave in combat, it is also necessary that he command the loyalty of his
troops. The morning of the 2nd of February, 1461, saw Edward win the love of
his men in an inspired way. At dawn on that day, several men of Edward's
army, and Edward himself, witnessed a meteorological phenomenom - 3 rising
suns. While some of the men were afraid that this was a bad omen, Edward
convinced them that it was indeed a good omen and a sure sign of victory. He
assured his followers that the 3 suns were representative of the Holy
Trinity, and that they foretold the dawning of a new age for the Yorkists.
He took as his favourite badge, the Sunne in Splendour, and lead his troops
to victory.