The Battle of Bosworth Field

The battle began!
Henry attacked directly up Ambion Hill with his main force. Richard ordered the Duke of Norfolk on the west slopes to attack. Although outnumbered, Henry's men stood firm and the Duke of Norfolk was killed. Richard's men pulled back as the fighting paused.

Henry realised he couldn't win. He knew his only hope lay in getting the Stanley's to commit with him in battle. He decided to approach the Stanley's with an escort of fifty men and ask them to join him. Richard realised what was happening and made a decision which cost him the battle. He saw a chance to attack Henry Tudor and his fifty men and ordered 1,000 of his own army to charge. The risk might have paid off, but for the Stanley's.

It was the moment the Stanley's had waited for! With a shout of "A Stanley, A Stanley," their soldiers charged. Richard who had ridden with his 1,000 strong entourage was unseated from his horse at the first charge. Another horse was brought for him and although he was urged to escape, he stayed with his men and was cut down and killed. The final battle of the War of the Rose was over.
Richard's crown was found and handed to Thomas Stanley who placed it on Henry Tudor's head and proclaimed, "Henry VII, King of England."

Richard was the last British monarch to personally battle alongside his army. After his naked body was paraded through the streets, his remains now rest at Grey Friars, Abbey, Leicester. Henry went on to rule England until his death in 1509.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding both of these kings of England. Their characters and leadership abilities are often called into question. Next week, we'll look at some of the opinions of people who have studies the War of the Roses and these two kings of England.

In the meantime, if you require more information about the War of the Roses, please visit Erik Stultz's Web Site. I've found this site to be excellent source, not only for information regarding each player in the War of the Roses, but also for links to just about every information site on the Web. Erik hosts a FAQ section which answers a number of posed questions.
Also, visit the Richard III Society Homepage where actual documents from the War of the Roses can be viewed online.
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