Important happenings on this day in history - February 17

The Second Battle of St. Albans: A Turning Point in the War of the Roses

A crucial confrontation in the dynastic struggle

The Second Battle of St. Albans, fought on February 17, 1461, was a pivotal conflict in the War of the Roses, a series of dynastic wars between the houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. This battle, marking a significant turning point, saw the Lancastrians achieve a decisive victory over the Yorkists, thereby altering the course of English history.

The Prelude to Battle

The War of the Roses had been raging for nearly a decade by the time of the Second Battle of St. Albans. The conflict was rooted in a complex web of political, social, and familial tensions, primarily revolving around the claims to the throne by two rival factions: the Lancastrians, who supported King Henry VI, and the Yorkists, who backed Richard, Duke of York, and subsequently his son Edward, Earl of March.

In late 1460, the Yorkists had gained significant momentum with their victory at the Battle of Northampton in July, where they captured King Henry VI. This triumph emboldened Richard of York to lay claim to the throne, though he was killed at the Battle of Wakefield in December of the same year. His son, Edward, rallied the Yorkist forces to continue the fight. The Lancastrians, led by Queen Margaret of Anjou, were determined to regain their authority and rescue the captive king.

The Battle Unfolds

The two armies met near the town of St. Albans in Hertfordshire. The Yorkists, under the command of the experienced John Neville, Lord Montagu, had positioned themselves in a strong defensive stance, expecting the Lancastrians to attack. However, Queen Margaret's forces, led by the formidable Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, executed a surprise flanking maneuver, catching the Yorkists off guard.

The Lancastrians, numbering around 20,000, vastly outnumbered the Yorkist contingent of approximately 10,000. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Yorkists held their ground initially, but the Lancastrian strategy and sheer force eventually overwhelmed them. The battle saw fierce hand-to-hand combat and significant casualties on both sides.

A Decisive Victory

The Lancastrian forces succeeded in breaking through the Yorkist lines, causing chaos and retreat among the defenders. They captured the town of St. Albans and liberated King Henry VI, who had been under Yorkist control. The king, who had been a passive figurehead throughout much of the conflict, was paraded through the streets by the triumphant Lancastrians.

This victory was a significant morale booster for the Lancastrians and a severe blow to the Yorkists. It demonstrated Queen Margaret's resilience and tactical acumen, as well as the loyalty and strength of her supporters. However, the battle also highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict, with many soldiers and civilians suffering in the aftermath.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Second Battle of St. Albans did not immediately end the War of the Roses but shifted the balance of power in favor of the Lancastrians. The Yorkists, reeling from their defeat, regrouped under Edward, Earl of March, who would soon emerge as a formidable leader. The conflict continued to rage, culminating in the Battle of Towton in March 1461, where Edward secured a decisive victory and subsequently ascended to the throne as King Edward IV.

The Second Battle of St. Albans remains a notable event in English history, illustrating the intense rivalry and shifting fortunes of the War of the Roses. It serves as a reminder of the brutal and often unpredictable nature of dynastic conflicts, where alliances and power dynamics could change rapidly and with significant consequences. The battle's legacy is a testament to the enduring struggle for control and the resilience of those who fought for their cause.

***The War of the Roses is loosely the inspiration for George R. Martin's acclaimed Game of Thrones books and TV shows - he added the undead zombies and the dragons.