St Albans, battle of, 1455. The first battle of St Albans on 22 May was little more than a hand-to-hand skirmish in the streets of the town. But since it ushered in the Wars of the Roses, the consequences were important. Richard, duke of York, had marched south, demanding from Henry VI the dismissal of his rival the duke of Somerset. The Yorkist victory was largely owing to Richard, earl of Warwick (‘the Kingmaker’). Somerset and his supporters Northumberland and Clifford were killed, Henry VI captured, watching the proceedings.

J. A. Cannon

St Albans, battle of, 1461. The second battle of St Albans took place on 17 February 1461. Queen Margaret hastened south to exploit her crushing victory at Wakefield and rescue her husband Henry VI, held captive by Warwick. The Yorkists were again defeated, despite some novel netting traps and devices, but Warwick salvaged some troops and joined the future Edward IV from Wales. Henry VI was released by his queen, who failed to follow up her advantage and allowed Edward to beat her to London.

J. A. Cannon