Battle of Northampton

Question 1

Weaknesses of Lancastrians

Answer 1

Henry and Margaret rushed south to meet oncoming rebels, didn’t have enough time to gather forces eg Clifford and Northumberland absent

Lord Grey of Ruthin defected to Yorkists, gave Lancastrians no time to react his men formed front line of defence

Royal line collapsed and soldiers fled in disarray

Political assassination: 300 killed Buckingham, Beaumont, Thomas Percy

Margaret had lost a key supporter and Henry was captured taken to London

Question 2

Strengths of Yorkists

Answer 2

Warwick led the largest group of Yorkists ever to take the field eg Lord Fauconberg, Audley, March, Norfolk and 2,000 Calais veterans

Lord Grey Ruthin defected to the Yorkists

Warwick led a ruthless attack which targeted the noble leaders of the royal army, political assassination

Margaret fled, control over Henry, cancelled all sentences against them

Question 3

Other factors

Answer 3

Weather- two sides met 10th July in pouring rain
Yorkists attempted to negotiate but Buckingham refused

Royal artillery neutralised due to weather and they were entrenched by the River Nene