1470 battle during the Wars of the Roses. Secured the defeat of the poorly organised Welles Uprising against King Edward IV
The battle crushed the Welles Uprising but triggered the defection of Warwick and Clarence to the Lancastrian cause, reshaping the Wars of the Roses.
Key Facts
- Date
- 12 March 1470
- Also known as
- Battle of Empingham
- Conflict
- Wars of the Roses
- Uprising defeated
- Welles Uprising
- Notable defectors
- Earl of Warwick and George, Duke of Clarence
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The poorly organised Welles Uprising arose in opposition to King Edward IV. Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, and George, Duke of Clarence were implicated in the rebellion, reflecting deep tensions within the Yorkist faction over Edward's rule.
On 12 March 1470, royal forces defeated the rebel army at Empingham in what became known as the Battle of Losecoat Field. The engagement was decisive and swift, crushing the uprising and demonstrating the military weakness of the rebel forces aligned against Edward IV.
Although Edward IV secured an immediate military victory, the battle forced Warwick and Clarence to flee England after their involvement in the rebellion was exposed. Their subsequent defection to the Lancastrian cause significantly altered the balance of power in the Wars of the Roses.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
King Edward IV.
Side B
1 belligerent
Richard Welles.