On Edward III death his grandson Richard II succeeded to the throne. In 1399 the king was deposed of his throne by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster and was crowned Henry IV. This act began the rivalry between the houses of York and Lancaster.
Henry IV was succeeded by his son Henry V but when Henry V died his nine month old son Henry VI succeeded to the throne on 31 August 1422. His right to the throne was challenged by Richard, Duke of York.
Battles had broken out between the two houses. These became know as the War of the Roses due to their heraldic symbols, white and red roses. The first battle of the War the Roses commenced on May 22 1455. Richard of York was killed at The Battle of Wakefield, 30 December 1460.
His estates and claim to the throne passed to his son Edward. The bloodiest and most brutal battle of the war was fought in 1461 atTowton.
Up to 75,000 solidiers are thought to have battled in atrocious weather conditions, wind, sleet and snow. It is thought that 28,000 soldiers were killed during the battle.
Although the Yorkists were heavily outnumbered they took advantage of the severe wind conditions. Their longbowmen fired their arrows at the Lancastrians whose return of fire fell short of their target.
The Lancastrians abondon their defensive positions and advance. They engaged the Yorkist in hand to hand combat. Due to their strength in numbers the Lancastrians started to gain the advantage.
Yorkist reinforcements arrived under the command of John de Mowbray, 3rd Duke of Norfolk. The Lancastrians start to loose ground and are dispacted, many lose their lived while fleeing.
Some are trampled and some drowned in the river. Those taken prisoner were executed.
Following the battle Edward of York became king as Edward IV.
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