On 15 December 1455 a clash known as the Battle of Clyst Heath between the retinues of the Courtenay and Bonville families.
Clyst Heath lay to the east of Exeter in an area that had Exeter Castle to its west, Tiverton Castle to the North, Colcombe Castle to the east and Powderham Castle south-west. It was adjacent to the Clyst River and a strategically important position in the local area.
Courtenay -Bonville Feud
In 1455 this area was experiencing great unrest. The Earl of Devon, Thomas Courtenay, and Lord Bonville were engaged in a bitter conflict over local rights, positions and land.
Both parties had engaged in raids on the other family’s manors, including murders, one of a Justice of the Peace, which added to tensions and animosity between the two families.
Clyst Heath
On 15 December 1455 retinues of the two noble families formed up against each other at Clyst Heath. The intention for both was to enforce their superiority over the region and gain control of regional positions that would serve their interests well.
The Battle was a decisive victory for the Earl of Devon. The Bonville retinue was unable to counter their attack and was forced into flight. The Earl and his men then went on the rampage in Bonville lands, sacking the Manor of Shute.
Intervention
News of events such as this led to intervention from the Protector, Richard Duke of York. Both nobles were briefly imprisoned before being bound over to keep the peace. Their private feud though contributed to national tensions. Both nobles had allies within the factions at court which meant that they became more entrenched in their opposition to one another, safe knowing that they had the Dukes of Somerset or York as allies.
Featured Image
Map of the Battle of Clyst Heath, 15 December 1455, near Exeter, Devon. Via Wikimedia.
