News

Commemorating the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Northampton

29 June 2010

On 10 July 1460 and watched by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Yorkists defeated the Lancastrians at the Battle of Northampton, capturing King Henry VI and killing the Duke of Buckingham. The Lancastrians, who were entrenched with cannon in a strong position south of the River Nene near Delapre Abbey, were routed partly because heavy rain prevented them from making use of their artillery but mainly because of the treachery of Lord Grey. At a key moment in the battle he ordered his men to lay down their arms and let the Yorkists into the Lancastrian entrenchments.

 

On 3-4 July the Friends of Delapre Abbey are hosting a special event in the Abbey grounds, with a re-enactment of part of the battle, displays of cannon, period music, and battlefield walks by our very own Mike Ingram. For further information please visit the Friends website at www.delapreabbey.org

 

The event and anniversary are bound to create a lot of interest in the battle, the Wars of the Roses in general and, indeed over where the battle was actually fought and on 10 July, the actual anniversary of the battle, the Battlefields Trust has brought together some distinguished historians  for a study day in Northampton Museum. As well as what is sure to be a lively discussion over the location of the battle, there will be talks on the Wars of the Roses in general and warfare during the period plus the opportunity to find out more about the Trust's recent success in locating the site of the Battle of Bosworth. Visit our events pages or click here for further information.