The Battle of Tewkesbury is one of the largest medieval battle re-enactments in Europe, featuring hundreds of re-enactors, knights in full armour, and historically accurate encampments.
When: July 12th and 13th 2025
Where: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
What: This event is part of the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival and recreates the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury, a key battle in the Wars of the Roses.
Size: It’s one of the largest medieval battle re-enactments in Europe, featuring hundreds of re-enactors, knights in full armor, and historically accurate encampments.
Highlights: Spectacular battle displays, a medieval market, living history camps, and jousting.
Historical Context: The Battle of Tewkesbury (1471)
The Battle of Tewkesbury, fought on 4 May 1471, was a decisive clash in the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), the dynastic conflict between the rival Houses of Lancaster (red rose) and York (white rose).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Figures | Yorkists: Edward IV, Richard III (Duke of Gloucester), George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). Lancastrians: Margaret of Anjou, Prince Edward of Westminster, Edmund Beaufort (Duke of Somerset). |
| Strategic Importance | Edward IV’s victory crushed Lancastrian resistance, securing his throne and leading to 14 years of Yorkist rule. |
| Casualties | ~2,000 killed, including Prince Edward and Edmund Beaufort. Margaret of Anjou was captured. |
| Legacy | Marked the near-extinction of the Lancastrian male line; paved the way for the Tudor dynasty. |
Combatants: Historical vs. Re-enactment
The festival’s re-enactment features 2,000+ participants from international medieval societies, meticulously recreating 15th-century warfare.
Historical Armies
| Faction | Composition | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkists | Professional soldiers, mercenaries, and artillery. | Aggressive charges; disciplined formations. |
| Lancastrians | French allies, Welsh levies, and surviving nobles. | Relied on defensive terrain near Tewkesbury Abbey. |
Re-enactment Groups
| Group | Role | Authenticity Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Household of York | Edward IV’s retinue | Hand-forged plate armour; wool/linen clothing. |
| Beaufort Company | Lancastrian infantry | Authentic polearms (bills, halberds); leather brigandines. |
| European Mercenaries | Crossbowmen/archers | Replica steel crossbows; padded gambesons. |
Key Moments: Battle Re-enactment Breakdown
The festival’s re-enactment mirrors the original battle’s structure, with added theatrical flair.
| Original Battle (1471) | Re-enactment (2025) |
|---|---|
| Lancastrian Defensive Line | Actors replicate earthworks and palisades near the Abbey. |
| Yorkist Artillery Barrage | Pyrotechnics simulate cannon fire; smoke machines create fog of war. |
| Prince Edward’s Death | Choreographed duel between Yorkist knights and Lancastrian nobles. |
| Margaret’s Capture | Dramatic portrayal in the “Bloody Meadow” section. |
Event Details & Logistics
Dates & Location
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, 12 July 2025 (11:00–18:00) & Sunday, 13 July 2025 (11:00–17:00). |
| Location | Adjacent to Tewkesbury town centre (GL20 5SX); part of the original battlefield. |
| Walking Route | 5-minute walk from Tewkesbury Abbey; follow medieval banners. |
Travel & Accommodation
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| By Car | Follow yellow signs to festival car parks (£10/cash; £5 Blue Badge). Sat Nav: GL20 5SX. |
| By Train | Ashchurch for Tewkesbury station; bus 606 to town centre. |
| By Bus | Regular services from Cheltenham (route 41) and Gloucester (route 71). |
| Camping | Festival campsite (5 mins from site): hot showers, pre-book via 01684 855040. |
Festival Highlights
Living History Camps
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Blacksmithing | Watch armourers forge chainmail using 15th-century techniques. |
| Archery Trials | Test your skill with replica longbows (supervised sessions). |
| Medieval Surgery | Gruesome displays of period medical tools and “battlefield” triage. |
Medieval Market
| Stall Type | Offerings |
|---|---|
| Armourers | Helmets, swords, and shields made to historical specifications. |
| Textiles | Hand-stitched tunics, wimples, and hose using natural dyes. |
| Apothecary | Herbal remedies and perfumes based on medieval recipes. |
Why Attend?
The Tewkesbury Medieval Festival uniquely bridges historical education and spectacle, offering visceral insights into 15th-century life. From the thunder of faux cavalry charges to the smell of smithies’ fires, it’s an immersive journey into England’s turbulent past.
Plan Your Visit:
- Official Website: Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
- Local Tips: Arrive early to secure parking; wear sturdy footwear for muddy fields.
Experience history in motion – where the past isn’t just remembered, but relived.
