[Video] Today in History- Battle of Barnet 4.14.1471

View Full

Presidents of the United States Playlist

View Full

Presidents of the United States Playlist

Today in History- Battle of Barnet
4.14.1471

Today in history, on April 14, 1471, a decisive battle was fought near London that reshaped the English monarchy. The Battle of Barnet saw the deposed and exiled King Edward IV reclaim his throne from King Henry VI, in a significant turn of events during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses.

Edward IV, leader of the House of York, had been driven from England by the Lancastrian forces loyal to King Henry VI. His return from exile marked the resurgence of Yorkist power. At Barnet, Edward’s forces confronted the Lancastrian army in a fierce battle that unfolded in the thick fog of early morning. This lack of visibility caused confusion and was pivotal to the outcome of the battle.

The Lancastrians, led by the Earl of Warwick—a former ally turned enemy of Edward IV—suffered from mistaken identity among their troops, leading to a catastrophic breakdown in their lines. Warwick was killed in the battle, effectively ending major Lancastrian resistance.

The victory at Barnet was crucial for Edward IV. It not only cleared his path back to the throne but also weakened the Lancastrian cause significantly, marking a turning point in the Wars of the Roses. This battle underscored the brutal and shifting loyalties of the period, and Edward’s subsequent re-entry to London and restoration to the throne was a moment of triumph and a testament to his resilience and strategic acumen.

Reflecting on this day, the Battle of Barnet remains a key historical moment, illustrating the intense dynastic struggles that defined the late medieval period in England. It set the stage for the eventual rise of the Tudor dynasty and the end of the Wars of the Roses.