The author of this letter, dated 14 April 1461, is not identified. Written to Pigello Portinaro, it relates the outcome of the Battle of Towton. In the letter the outcome is made clear, with a list of peers who fell offered. As with some other letters from the period, the flight of King Henry VI to the north is noted. In this instance, it is said that the Lancastrian royal party has made its way to Newcastle.
The letter suggests that 28000 fell in the battle. 20000 on the Lancastrian side, 8000 on the Yorkist side. It, as some other letters do, incorrectly states that Anthony Woodville, then Baron Scales, had died in the battle.
The outcome is described as being fairly decisive. Of the Lancastrian cause it notes that ‘Their side is practically destroyed‘. The Yorkists are dominant, as ‘King Edward has become master and governor of the whole realm‘.
“Words fail me to relate how well the commons love and adore him, as if he were their God”.
85. to Pigello Portinaro.
The two camps of King Henry and the one King Edward met near York about 170 miles hence, and fought a very great battle, which lasted a whole day and a half. At length fortune gave the victory to King Edward, and he has, one may say, annihilated the enemy. Amongst the slain there are reported the Earls of Northumberland and Devon, Lords de Clifford, de Nevill, de Beaumont and Welles, Henry of Buckingham, Anthony de Rivers, Lord Scales, the Lord de Acias, Lord de Duelebi, and many knights and gentlemen fell, with quite 20,000 persons. On the other side it is said that Lord de Scrup, and Lord de Finath were killed, and about 8,000 knights and other persons, having made a great and fierce fight. May God have mercy on the dead. King Henry, the queen and the prince are said to have fled to Newcastle, sixty miles from York, accompanied by the Dukes of Exeter and Somerset, and by Lords de Ros and de Rivers. King Edward sent 20,000 men to capture them, and it is said that the town is already besieged. If they be found there no doubt is entertained by the party here of having them, but that is quite uncertain, as the town is near the sea. It is supposed that, having found means to embark, they have gone to Scotland or France; in which case they have decided wisely. Their side is practically destroyed and King Edward has become master and governor of the whole realm. Words fail me to relate how well the commons love and adore him, as if he were their God. The entire kingdom keeps holiday for the event, which seems a boon from above. Thus far he appears to be a just prince who intends to amend and organise matters otherwise than has been done hitherto, so all comfort themselves with hopes of future well-being. I will acquaint you with any further news. What I have mentioned includes everything up to to-day.
London, the 14th of April, 1461.
[Italian; copy.]‘Milan: 1461’, in Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts in the Archives and Collections of Milan 1385-1618, ed. Allen B Hinds (London, 1912), British History Online
Related Content
This letter is part of our series on the Road to Towton as told by the Milan State Papers. These letters cover the period from the Battle of Wakefield to the reporting of the Battle of Towton. They include references to the Second Battle of St. Albans and the proclamation of Edward as being King of England.
Image Credit
Source: Royal 15 D.I, f.154
Caption: Jonathan defeating the princes who revolted against Demetrius. Text and floral decoration in one border. British Library