Battle of Barnet
Near Barnet, Hertfordshire, England
What happened
King Edward IV of the House of York fought a Lancastrian army led by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known as 'the Kingmaker'. The armies met at dawn on Easter Day in thick fog. In the confusion, Lancastrian soldiers mistook the Earl of Oxford's star badge for Edward's sun badge and attacked their own side. Cries of treason spread, the Lancastrian line broke, and Warwick fell as he tried to leave the field.
Why it matters
Warwick had been the most powerful figure in English politics. Together with Tewkesbury, the battle secured the throne for Edward IV.
What came next
Margaret of Anjou landed at Weymouth on the day of the battle, and Edward defeated her Lancastrian army at Tewkesbury on 4 May 1471.
Did you know?
Warwick was called 'the Kingmaker' because he helped one king rise and two others lose the throne.
Timeline
- 14 April 1471Battle of Barnet; Margaret of Anjou lands at Weymouth.
- 4 May 1471Battle of Tewkesbury.
- 1485The Earl of Oxford commands Lancastrian forces at Bosworth Field.