Dryslwyn, March 1464
Battle of Dryslwyn, a Yorkist victory won in south-west Wales in winter on 4 March 1464.
Riots and Unrest in 1464
At the start of 1464 rioting in Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire caused the new king Edward IV so much concern that he postponed Parliament, appointed investigating commissioners in fifteen southern counties, and visited the most serious trouble spots himself. He was at Gloucester on 9 February, where he “punished his rebellious against the law“.
South Wales
The Duke of Norfolk was appointed to ensure Yorkist control of North Wales from his castle at Holt. But the task of subduing the Lancastrian heartland of South Wales was delegated to Sheriff John Dwnn, Captain of Carmarthen, and Roger Vaughan the half-brother of the Earl of Pembroke (both of whom had fought for Edward at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross three years earlier).
Yorkist victory at Dryslwyn
These loyal Yorkists defeated the Lancastrian rebels at Dryslwyn in the valley of the River Towy, between Carmarthen and Llandilo, on 4 March. As a result the two leaders were later rewarded with the confiscated estates of defeated Lancastrians, who included Philip Mansel and Hopkin ap Rhys.
At the end of March 1464 Edward IV announced that he would initiate a campaign against the Lancastrians survivors of Towton who were causing him serious trouble in the north of England. With the help of the Yorkist Nevilles, he achieved this aim by the end of June.
Dryslwyn: Text by Tim Upton.
Dryslwyn Links
Richard III Society. Rebellions and Lancastrian Resistance 1461-64.
John Dwnn / John Donne
There are several spellings of John’s name in both Welsh and English, with Donne, Dunne, Dunn, Dwnn, and Den all featuring in accounts relating to the same person.
Donne’s lineage
John was knighted on the battlefield of Tewkesbury in 1471 for his services to the Yorkist cause. He was born in Picardy in northern France, where his father, Griffiths, is thought to have fought in the Battle of Agincourt and later held posts such as the Lieutenancy of Cherbourg. His family had a rich heritage. John himself was a great grandchild of Owain Glyndŵr through his maternal line.
Service of the Duke of York
John Donne entered the service of Richard 3rd Duke of York. He is noted as having served the Duke in France and Ireland, along with service in England. His ties to the House of York are apparent through his marriage. He was wed to Elizabeth Hastings, sister of William, Lord Hastings, who was Lord Chamberlain of the household of King Edward IV.
John Donne in Edward IV’s household
Upon the accession of Edward IV in 1461, John Donne became an Usher of the King’s Chamber. This was a mid-ranking position within the Kings Household. This along with links to William Herbert 1st Earl of Pembroke, made John Donne a trusted member of the Yorkist court. In turn this led to his appointment along with Roger Vaughan to deal with the rebellious Lancastrians in south Wales.
After Dryslwyn
After dealing with the rebels in South Wales, John Donne continued to serve the Yorkist cause. A Jehan Don, most likely the same John Donne, was amongst the delegation who accompanied the King’s sister, Margaret of York, to Bruge in 1468 for her marriage to Charles the Bold. Much of his time was spent in and around Calais, where he is known to have been from 1468 onwards, with returns to England alongisde Edward IV in 1471 as he regained the Crown through his victories at Barnet and Tewkesbury.
Sir John Donne
Following the Battle of Tewkesbury, the now knighted Sir John returned to Calais. Here he served under brother-in-law, William Lord Hastings who held the position of Captain of Calais. He held positions on the Council at Calais and later held positions at the Tower of Risban in the Pale of Calais.
Sir John Donne: Patron of the Arts
Whilst based on the continent Sir John Donne became a patron of the arts. The Donne Triptych was created for him by the artist Hans Memling, probably in the late 1470’s. In 1480 he commissioned a Book of Hours ‘the Donne Hours’ formerly known as the Louthe Hours. Other manuscripts are known to have been created for Donne, and further artwork is held by the British Library that he acquired.
Diplomacy
Diplomatic roles were given to Donne in the late 1470’s, being an ambassador to Burgundy and France in the period that followed the death of Charles the Bold. Sir John avoided being caught up in the event of 1483 which saw his brither-in-law executed. He was given administrative roles in Buckinghamshire and served under Richard III and Henry VII.
A gauge of Sir John Donne’s service to the House of York is the location of his tomb. He and his wife rest in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, close to the tomb of King Edward IV.
Featured Image
Donne depicted with his coat of arms in the “Louthe Hours” (alias “Donne Hours”), painted by Simon Marmion c.1480, Collection of University of Louvain-la-Neuve, MS A2, f.100v. Via Wikipedia.
