Battlefields in and near Market Bosworth

Battle Of Bosworth

The Wars of the Roses were caused by the protracted struggle for power between the reigning dynasty of the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the competing House of York (white rose). ... more

England's beautiful fields and woods have echoed through the centuries with the sounds of battle, as skirmishes and wars have been fought over the small nation. Visitors can learn about these conflicts by visiting the many sites of the battles, where interpretation centres and monuments recall the violent and heroic past. While you're standing in these green fields, you can try to imagine the sound of metal crashing upon metal hundreds of years ago. Exploring battlefields will be an excellent way to gain insight into England's fascinating history.

The most significant battles were those which marked turning-points in England's history, such as the Norman Conquest which followed the Battle of Hastings in 1066, or the tumultuous Civil Wars of the seventeenth century which transformed the roles of monarchy and parliament. Great military leaders and politicians often built their names on success in the battlefield, and important battle tactics and skills were developed. Battlefields are often archaeologically rich sites, whose remains help historians piece together the story of England's military history.

The most famous battle in English history was undoubtedly the Battle of Hastings, fought between the English (Saxon) army and the Norman invaders in October 1066. The fierce battle took place at what is now the town of Battle in East Sussex. The Norman leader William and his army marched north from Hastings and engaged the English article on Senlac Hill, where Battle Abbey now stands. It was a closely-matched battle, with William's troops attacking with cavalry and infantry, while the English army fought on foot, but were well defended by a shield wall. The fighting continued throughout the day, until William breached the shield wall after the English king, Harold, was killed, and the English army was forced to retreat. William had conquered England, and a new phase in English history came about, which transformed politics, religion and the country's relationship with Europe.

The Battle of Hastings site has the most impressive and beautiful monuments, Battle Abbey, which William the Conqueror built in recognition of his victory and in memory of those fallen in battle. The Abbey's grounds and ruins are amazing to explore, and there is an excellent view of the famous battlefield from the terrace. The high altar is supposed to mark the place where King Harold fell. The battlefield remains largely undeveloped, and the site is thoroughly interpreted for visitors, so that they can see precisely where it all happened.

If you're interested in learning about the English Civil War, head to Worcester in the Heart of England. The long and violent Civil War was fought between the royalist supporters and parliamentarians, in the 17th Century.

The first major military action of this tumultuous war took place in 1642, at the Battle of Powick Bridge in Worcester, between the well trained royalist cavalry and the well equipped but less effective parliamentary forces. The parliamentarians were routed in the open fields of Wick between the suburbs of Worcester and the Powick Bridge, and this was a victory for the royalists and a warning to the parliamentarians that they were facing a formidable foe.

It's worth combining Powick Bridge with a trip to the site of the Battle of Worcester, which was the last battle of the Civil Wars, fought in 1651. The war ended near where it began, but it was Parliament's army that was the dominant military force by this time, and this battle destroyed the final hopes of the Royalists regaining power by military force. Charles Charles was forced into exile and Cromwell secured his ruling military and political position. The best preserved area of the battlefield is between Powick Bridge and the confluence of the Severn and Teme, where you can understand the manoeuvres of the armies between the bridge.

Within the city of Worcester, you can visit several buildings and monuments associated with the battle, and for the best view of the battlefield you can stand where Charles II did in the hours leading up to the battle, at the top of the cathedral tower. You can also walk over Powick Bridge, and see the impact scars from the battle on the tower at Powick church. There is an excellent Civil War visitor centre in the historic centre of the city, and nearby the remains of a Royalist artillery fort.

Yorkshire's attractive countryside is full of historic battle sites ranging over the centuries, like that of the Battle of Myton, fought near York in 1319 between the Scottish army and a Yorkshire militia. Close by, The Battle of Boroughbridge was fought in 1322, between King Edward II and his cousin, the Earl of Lancaster. The Battle of Towton was also an important conflict near York, part of the 15th century War of the Roses between the reigning dynasty of the House of Lancaster and the competing House of York.

York also had its share of Civil War action, with the Battle of Marston Moor taking place in 1644, an intense skirmish in which Cromwell's forces won the day,creating chaos until the King's forces scattered, except for a defiant last stand by the best of the Royalist infantry, the Whitecoats.

England might seem tranquil and beautiful right now, but in the centuries past, it was the scene of many turbulent conflicts. Visiting the battlefields scattered throughout the country gives a visitor some fantastic insight into the crucial battles that shaped England's fascinating military history.