Master Antonio’s letter repeats news that he had recounted on 13 April regarding the Battle of Towton. In doing so, he makes it clear that ‘it is confirmed every moment‘ and reassures the bishop of Terni that in respect of the reports he is sending that, ‘all these things are certain and true‘. He continues with suggestions as to what the best response may be: with an emphasis on the importance of not forgetting to write to Cecily Duchess of York. Further to this is information that the younger brothers of the new king, George and Richard, are at Sluys in the Low Countries, in the care of the Burgundians.
All the northern lords were slain
88. Master Antonio, Physician of Francesco Coppino, Apostolic Legate, to the Legate aforesaid.
Last Monday I wrote to your Lordship the news which I found at Bruges about the affairs of England. This news is true and certain; it is confirmed every moment, and urgent letters have arrived here. I have also received letters from some of my friends, from London. They tell how the battle was begun on Palm Sunday, at the hour of prime, at Pontefract, and lasted until the hour of noon on Tuesday. From Pontefract to York (horcho) there were 30,000 slain, and King Henry, the queen, and the prince taken. All the northern lords were slain, to wit, Northumberland and Westmoreland, Clifford, Henry of Buckingham, the Earl of Devon, Somerset, Lord Ros, Lord Dacres, Beamund, Lord de Scales, Lord de Huels, Lord Huebbi, Lord Morlle, and among the knights, Harri Belingam, Andrew Trolop, Raff Groti, Raff Persi, the bastard of the Duke of Etteltre. Subsequently the king assembled all the prelates of the realm, to decide what should be done with King Henry, the queen, the prince, and also the Duke of Exeter.
All these things are certain and true. Your lordship must decide whether you will change your mind about writing, or if you wish me to go to England with the information and letters which you delivered to me, although, in my opinion, your lordship should write to those whom you think best to offer congratulations on the victory, advising me of what you wish me to do in general and in special with the king, and in congratulating the lords, your friends, and well-wishers, not forgetting, on any account, to write to the Duchess of York (Madama di Ortho) or to Nettunen, because he is good. Your lordship should advise me quickly of what you decide I am to do, because now at the outset perhaps something advantageous may be done, and send me money to go, so that I can stay and look after the things which you decide I must attend to, and so that I can return, as God knows I have nothing whatever to do in England on my own account.
Your lordship directed that two nobles should be given to me; I received three ducats and a quarter, nor did I discover this until I reached Ghent. Thomaso knows this, and I asked him to tell your lordship. They asked a noble for a safe-conduct, so I did as your lordship directed me. Let me now have your orders about my going with your next letters, if you mean to write again to others in a different way, because of the victory achieved.
The brothers of King Edward are at Sluys, and are to come here to-morrow or Saturday after dinner. I have been asked by the English to go and accompany them as a mark of respect, on behalf of your lordship. I shall do so, because it is my duty, although I have not been told, offering myself in your name to do such things as are honourable and lawful.
I can think of nothing more. What I have done here in the things which your lordship committed to Tomaso, I know what I have done and Tomaso knows no more. Send me word quickly of what is to be done, and may He who is three and one fulfil your petitions with the salvation of your soul. Amen.Bruges, the 17th April, 1461. With all speed.
[Italian and Latin.]‘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
Apocalypse Picture Book; Apocalypse (Revelation) with a preface by St Jerome and commentary.Add MS 19896. British Library.