1461: The Road to Towton as told in the Milan State Papers
The events from the Battle of Wakefield to the aftermath of the Battle of Towton were recorded by diplomats from various European states. The Milan State Papers incorporate letters from diplomats and English dignitaries. These are to the Duke of Milan and his staff, along with copies of correspondence to the Pope, other church leaders, and assorted newsletters and notes between parties such as merchants, clerics, or political figures.
What do we learn from the Milan State papers?
This particular set of records is important because it provides accounts that demonstrate the way in which the Yorkists, Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick in particular, used international links for the advancement of a cause. They also provide insight into the way that events were viewed by foreign states, with whom England had trading and diplomatic ties. Many of the letters are contradictary, reflecting rumours, political biases, and often confusion that informed the writers.
Limitations of the Milan State Papers
As well as being largely based upon hearsay, or reflecting the political aims of senior figures in England, the Milan State Papers have other limitations. The copies that are most easily accessible have been transcribed in bulk. This may lead to some inaccuracies in their translation or misidentification of words. This may or may not result in errors in the transcription and translation.
Despite the limitations of the letters as sources, they also have great worth. The letters are amongst the earliest to record events of the period. Whilst there are known errors within many of the letters, they provide contemporary views on their perception of mood, motive, expectation. They also highlight the changes in the fortunes of the warring factions, offering indications of what the prospects of the two parties were thought to be at any given time.
These sources should not be used in isolation as they are largely based upon information received from third parties, and are often heavily influenced by the allegiances of the author.
The Italian View of 1460-61
9 January 1461
Entry 52. Coppino on the Lancastrian’s ‘Trifling victory’
They must not be arrogant because of the trifling victory they won
Entry 53. Advice to the Yorkists.
I have recommended them in the meanwhile not to give battle to desperate enemies, who are, moreover, strong in consequence of this victory
Entry 54. Reflecting on Wakefield.
Ultimately they routed them, slaying the duke and his younger son, the Earl of Rutland, Warwick’s father and many others. This news caused great alarm in these parts.
11 January
Entry 56. Earl of Warwick to Pope Pius II
With the help of God and the king, who is excellently disposed, all will end well. We shall obtain either a fair and sure peace or victory…
Entry 57. Not discouraged
One thing only will I write, that though the loss and danger are great, yet I am not discouraged, as the Earl of Warwick is safe…
24 January
Entry 58. Pleas to the Duke of Milan to influence the Pope in order to ‘create a favourable disposition‘
The Earl of Warwick, who is like another Caesar in these parts, is amazed…
Entry 59. Further pleas to the Duke of Milan. Same author, same day, different letter.
If the Holy Father had given heed to the desire of the king and these lords, set forth by me, all this ruin would not have happened… If help does not come, the Earl of Warwick sees no remedy, and before Easter will be ruined the whole of that great and fine design devised for the honour of God…
1 February
Entry 62. Milanese Ambassador to France, writing from Ghent of the response to the death of the Duke of York
…the Duke of York seems rather to have been slain out of hatred for having claimed the kingdom than anything else. It was decided that the Earl of Warwick should go to avenge the affront, and he has gone with 60,000 combatants; some say more. Things remain in the balance…
14 February
Entry 63. The Yorkist army has marched to face the advancing force of Queen Margaret.
great shedding of blood cannot be avoided, and whoever conquers, the Crown of England loses, which is a very great pity
15 February
Entry 67. Franscesco Sforza Duke of Milan on the situation in England
It is necessary to employ all our wit and industry to adapt and establish matters and to bring back that kingdom in peace to the king’s Majesty, while we are sure that his Holiness will not fail to do his part.
19 February
Entry 64. News of the Lancastrian Victory at St. Albans.
We are all hoping that, as the queen and prince have not descended in fury with their troops, the gates may be opened to them upon a good composition…
20 February
Entry 69. …was next pursued by a Frenchman…
After many perils, I arrived safely in Holland on Friday the 10th February, 1461, having been accompanied as far as Gravesend by Master Richard and others appointed by the Yorkist lords.
22 February
Entry 65. Responses to the Second Battle of St. Albans.
…a proclamation was issued that every one should keep fast to his house and should live at peace, in order that the king and his forces might enter and behave peacefully. But less than an hour later all the people ran to arms…
23 February
Entry 66. I do not know what to believe.
…God grant that both sides may so control themselves that men may not be inflamed more than they are already…
4 March
Entry 70. …they chose the Earl of March as their king and sovereign lord…
It remains to see how King Henry, his son, the queen and the other lords will bear this, as it is said that the new king will shortly leave here to go after them.
9 March
Entry 71. The king was placed under a tree… where he laughed and sang
My Lord, I am ashamed to speak of so many thousands, which resemble the figures of bakers, yet every one affirms that on that day there were 300,000 men under arms, and indeed the whole of England was stirred, so that some even speak of larger numbers.
Entry 72. There are various reports since… but they vary greatly according to personal predilections.
…they say that letters have reached Calais, which the Earl of Warwick had written on the 4th inst. saying that he and the Earl of March had met together with several other lords, spiritual and temporal, and by their wish and that of the people they crowned the Earl of March King of England with great pomp.
10 March
Entry 73. King Rene is preparing a large force to go to help the Queen of England
it seems that the English are much strengthened by means of the Duke of Burgundy. The King of France is said to be making great preparations for the future.
11 March
Entry 74. …going with all the forces of England against the queen…
The queen, however, is in a strong place, and they say she has some 30,000 combatants. The issue is expected within a fortnight; it will involve much cruelty, and decide many things, whatever be the event.
15 March
Entry 75. An Abdication and the poisoning of Henry VI?
They say here that the Queen of England, after the king had abdicated in favour of his son, gave the king poison. At least he has known how to die, if he did not know what to do else.
27 March
Entry 76. “Words of Common Fanatics”
As is usual in common and great matters, opinions vary in accordance with men’s passions.
Letters recounting the Battle of Towton and it’s aftermath
7 April
Entry 78. …we, being fortunate, amid so many misfortunes, escaped and lost that puppet of a king…
…were slain and so many dead bodies were seen as to cover an area six miles long by three broad and about four furlongs. In this battle eleven lords of the enemy fell…
Entry 79. The kingdom was convulsed on every hand by this event
…on Palm Sunday last King Edward began a very hard fought battle near York, in which the result remained doubtful the whole day, until at length victory declared itself on his side…
Entry 81. He sent a great number of men at arms after the said fugitives, so that not one may escape when taken
Finally I conclude that everything is turning out successfully for King Edward and all in England rejoice greatly at this time, and reverence him as sole lord and king in the land.
10 April. .
..one of these brothers will marry the daughter of Charles [the Bold]
It is reported among the English lords that the Duke of Burgundy is treating the brothers of the king with respect. This pleases them wonderfully, and they believe that there will be great friendship between the duke and the English by an indissoluble treaty
12 April.
…a battle was fought near York
King Henry, the queen, the prince and the Duke of Somerset, with two other nobles retreated to Neumburg, a castle on the coast near Scotland, whither the victors have sent 20,000 men to besiege it.
13 April
Entry 84. I found authentic news brought by Genoese merchants…
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
14 April
Entry 85. The two camps of King Henry and the one King Edward met near York…
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.
17 April
Entry 86. …matters in England have undergone several fluctuations
most glorious things may be done in these parts, such as have not been for five hundred years, for this new king is young, prudent and magnanimous. If your lordship takes the matter up warmly, we shall see notable and great things
Entry 88. …This news is true and certain; it is confirmed every moment…
…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…
Entry 89. King Edward, and the Earl of Warwick have routed the queen’s army
doubtless the new king will obtain the state
18 April
Entry 91. The combat was great and cruel…
[The Lancastrian’s] looked like conquering, and over 8,000 of the troops of King Edward and Warwick were slain, including Lord Scrope and Lord Fitzwalter (Finauter) among the nobles. Subsequently the wind changed, and Edward and Warwick came off victorious.