Britannica Sources used in this answer

What happened at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Wars of the Roses Illustration depicting the Battle of Bosworth Field, with King Richard III on the white horse.

The Battle of Tewkesbury, fought on May 4, 1471, was a decisive victory for the Yorkist King Edward IV during the Wars of the Roses.

Following his victory at the Battle of Barnet, Edward IV intercepted the Lancastrian forces led by Queen Margaret of Anjou and her son, Prince Edward, as they attempted to reach Wales to rally support. Despite the Lancastrians holding a strong defensive position, a failed surprise attack on the Yorkist left flank allowed Edward IV’s forces to break their lines.12

The battle resulted in approximately 1,000 deaths, including the death of Prince Edward and many other Lancastrian leaders. This defeat, followed by the murder of the deposed King Henry VI in the Tower of London shortly thereafter, effectively crushed the Lancastrian resistance and secured Edward IV’s throne for the remainder of his life.13