This document dated 18 April 1461 forms part of the Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts of Milan. In it, the events of the Battle of Towton and its aftermath are briefly recorded.
As with some other documents within this collection, Lord Scales is noted as having died which is incorrect. It also suggests that Earl Rivers had died which is also inaccurate but also states, correctly, that he is with King Henry in the north. In keeping with other parts of the Milanese archive, the figures of dead are based on the numbers stated by the heralds. In this document the names of fallen peers on the Lancastrian side are given. The prospect of peace, as also noted in a letter of the same date, is noted as being largely reliant upon the Lancastrian royal family being taken into the custody of the Yorkist regime.
They say that King Henry and the queen have gone to Newcastle
94. Bruges, the 18th April.
The victory of King Edward and Warwick over King Henry and the queen, previously related. The former lost 8,000 men including Lord Sinauter. King Henry and the queen lost 20,000, including the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Westmorland, the Earl of Devon, Lord Clifort, Lord Muells, Lord Bramont, Lord Anelles, Lord Vuelley, Lord Henry, the son of Bochinchant, Lord Rivers, Lord Scales and Andrew Trolop, knight. They say that King Henry and the queen have gone to Newcastle with the following: the prince, the Duke of Somerset, the Duke of Sestre, Lord Ros, Lord Rivers. King Edward is great friends with Warwick. If King Henry and the queen are taken, the kingdom will be pacified by King Edward and Warwick. If they are not taken, it is to be feared that in time they will raise fresh troubles, especially as the people are not at all averse to liberty, especially those of London (maxime che li popoli pur non sonno alieni da liberta maxime quelli di Londra). If Edward and Warwick remain in power it would be well for his lordship to be on good terms with the Duke of Burgundy, if he attaches importance to these affairs, as the said king and Warwick are friends of that Duke and the Dauphin.
[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
Apocalypse Picture Book; Apocalypse (Revelation) with a preface by St Jerome and commentary. British Library. Add MS 19896