The Battle of Hexham, fought on 15 May 1464, was one of the defining clashes of the Wars of the Roses. It marked a decisive victory for the Yorkists and brought a temporary end to organised Lancastrian resistance in the north of England. Taking place near the market town of Hexham in Northumberland, this confrontation effectively dismantled the Lancastrian leadership structure for several years.
Background
Following the earlier Yorkist triumph at the Battle of Towton in 1461, Edward IV had taken the throne. However, Lancastrian forces remained active, particularly in the north. With Queen Margaret of Anjou attempting to restore her son’s claim, resistance was still alive despite setbacks. The Yorkists, determined to crush remaining opposition, sent Lord Montagu north, leading to a string of clashes that culminated at Hexham.
Forces
At Hexham, the forces were uneven both in number and in morale. The Lancastrians, exhausted and poorly positioned, were caught off guard by a more coordinated and better-provisioned Yorkist army.
Yorkist Forces
| Commander | Troop Estimate | Allegiance |
|---|---|---|
| John Neville (Lord Montagu) | 3,000–4,000 | Yorkist |
Lancastrian Forces
| Commander | Troop Estimate | Allegiance |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Beaufort (Duke of Somerset) | 500–2,000 | Lancastrian |
The disparity in force strength, along with surprise and discipline, played a major role in the outcome.
Arms and Armour
Both sides were equipped in typical mid-15th century English style, but the Yorkists had logistical advantages following victories earlier in the campaign.
Yorkist Equipment:
- Armour: Full plate harness for men-at-arms; brigandines and mail for foot soldiers.
- Weapons:
- Longbows
- Billhooks and polearms
- Arming swords and daggers
- Some field artillery and handguns
Lancastrian Equipment:
- Armour: Mixed; some retained noble plate, but many troops lacked proper protection.
- Weapons:
- Longbows (limited supply)
- Improvised weapons among militia levies
- Few cavalry units due to resource shortages
Battle Timeline
15 May 1464 – Key Events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Yorkist forces advance swiftly from Corbridge to Hexham, crossing the Tyne. |
| Mid-morning | Lancastrians are caught unprepared near Linnels meadow; little time to form ranks. |
| Late morning | Yorkist archers fire on disorganised Lancastrians. A swift charge breaks their left flank. |
| Early afternoon | Lancastrian line collapses. Somerset is captured while fleeing. Other leaders are taken or killed. |
| Later that day | Montagu orders immediate executions of high-ranking prisoners. |
Outcome and Legacy
The Yorkist victory at Hexham was brutal in its aftermath. Montagu executed Somerset and several others without delay, sending a message that the rebellion would not be tolerated. Queen Margaret and Prince Edward managed to escape into exile, but Lancastrian power in England was shattered.
Some scattered resistance remained, yet for several years the Yorkist crown faced little serious military threat. It was not until the rise of Warwick’s rebellion and the return of Henry VI in 1470 that the conflict reignited at scale.
Archaeology
The site of the battle, likely near the Devil’s Water and the Tyne valley, remains a subject of local interest. While no major excavation has revealed definitive mass graves or artefacts, occasional discoveries of arrowheads and rusted weapon fragments have been linked to the battle. Local topography also supports chronicler accounts of a surprise engagement near river crossings.
Contemporary Quotes
Chronicler John Warkworth recorded the battle’s aftermath grimly:
“The Duke of Somerset, taken fleeing, was smitten off at Hexham… and with him many lords and gentlemen lost their lives that day.”
A Yorkist letter from Lord Montagu to Edward IV states:
“Our enemies fled without order, and the field was ours by God’s grace. The rebels are spent.”
The Seven Swords takeaway
The Battle of Hexham sealed the fate of the Lancastrian cause for the better part of a decade. It was not just a military victory, but a demonstration of Yorkist consolidation and ruthlessness. While often overshadowed by larger battles like Towton or Tewkesbury, Hexham’s significance in quieting the north was vital to Edward IV’s early reign.
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