Death of John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk

6 November 1461, death of John Mowbray, 3rd Duke of Norfolk.

John Mowbray 3rd Duke of Norfolk, is perhaps best remembered for his decisive role at the Battle of Towton. His force was marching to catch up with the Yorkist army. It did so as the battle raged and where the outcome was far from certain. His battle entered the fray and though weary from marching, were fresh compared to
those who had fought all day.

The intervention saw the collapse of the Lancastrian line and many men’s subsequent slaughter as they fled down the slope towards Cock Beck.

Norfolk’s life before the Wars of the Roses had been eventful. A significant power within East Anglia, he had regularly clashed with neighbours over land rights. In the 1430s, he became involved in feuds with William de la Pole that became quite violent. Twice this led to his imprisonment in the Tower of London before being bound over with large bonds secured against hh8s future conduct.

His aggressive streak did serve him and the country well, though. Norfolk fought in the Anglo-Scottish wars, in Normandy, and served from Calais.

As court became, factionalised Norfolk had initially been loyal to the Court Party. His allegiance drifted towards the Yorkists over the course of the 1450s, and by the events of 1460, he was a firm supporter of the Duke of York.