battle of Northampton

England [1460]

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July 1, 2026

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The Battle of Northampton, fought on July 10, 1460, was a significant engagement during the Wars of the Roses. This conflict was a series of dynastic civil wars between the houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne.1

In this battle, Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, led Yorkist forces to a decisive victory over the Lancastrians. This victory allowed the Yorkists to capture King Henry VI. Following the battle, Richard, Duke of York, attempted to claim the throne but ultimately settled for the right to succeed Henry VI upon his death, a compromise that Queen Margaret of Anjou refused to accept, prolonging the conflict.1

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Wars of the Roses
Competing claims to the throne and the beginning of civil war
…defeating the Lancastrian forces at Northampton (July 10). York tried to claim the throne but settled for the right to succeed upon the death of Henry. That effectively disinherited Henry’s son, Prince Edward, and caused Queen Margaret to continue her opposition.
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…defeating the Lancastrian forces at Northampton (July 10). York tried to claim the throne but settled for the right to succeed upon the death of Henry. That effectively disinherited Henry’s son, Prince Edward, and caused Queen Margaret to continue her opposition.
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