On 13 April 1461 Master Antonio, physician, wrote to Francesco Coppino. In his letter he relays news and rumours that he has heard of recent events in England.
Antonio’s sources
Master Antonio’s source of news is stated as being Genoese merchants who were present at the court of the Duke of Burgundy. As such he considers them to be an ‘authentic’ source.
Antonio’s Report of events at Towton
His news notes the Yorkist victory at Towton. He has heard of 30000 having been killed. Antonio is aware that many Lancastrian peers fell in battle and has heard of the flight of King Henry, Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, the Duke of Somerset and others, including Lord Roos. As early as 13 April it was known on the continent that the Lancastrian survivors had taken refuge in the north east, where they were surrounded.
Master Antonio notes the injury to the Earl of Warwick and also suggests that Edward had been wounded in combat. 4 unnamed Yorkist lords were believed to have fallen.
As with many letters of this period, Master Antonio has received and relayed news that is partly accurate and partly incorrect. The inconsistencies across early reports illustrating the problems faced by those wishing to receive reliable summaries of events.
…almost all the nobles on the other side are slain
84. Master Antonio, Physician to Francesco Coppino, Bishop of Terni, Apostolic Legate to the said Legate.
I must advise your reverence that immediately I arrived here at Bruges I found authentic news brought by Genoese merchants staying at the court of the Duke of Burgundy, that the King of England had won a victory; 30,000 men are killed on both sides, almost all the nobles on the other side are slain except King Henry, his wife and son, Somerset and Ros, who are in a castle whose name I do not know, but it is surrounded they say, so that escape is impossible. On our side it is said that King Edward and the Earl of Warwick are wounded and four nobles slain, whose names are not reported as yet. I will write by Tomaso, where the battle took place, and the day, with the names of the nobles slain.
Bruges, the 13th of April [1461.]
[Italian; copy.]
Image Credit
Source: Royal 14 E. II, f.250
Miniature of the author, Jean de Courcy, conducted to a garden by Charity. A full border containing the arms of Edward IV and four lozenges with a white rose of the York family, and the Yorkist badge ‘Dieu et mon droit’, at the beginning of book 4