The battles of Barnet , which took place the April 14th 1471 was decisive in the Guerre of the Two-Pinks. It was held close to the town of Barnet to 15 km in the north of London in England.

Context

The principal protagonists were the king Edouard IV of England and Richard Neville, count de Warwick, formerly friends and allies which had separated because of the tendency of Edouard to support the family of his Queen Elizabeth Woodville. In October of the previous year, Warwick “the maker of king” had exiled Edouard the substitute by his predecessor lancastrien, the king Henri VI of England on the throne. Warwick made then the error agree to help the king Louis XI of France in its conflict with the duke of Burgundy. That pushed the Burgundian ones to offer a military aid to Edouard, who turned over to England on March 14th, 1471.

Countryside preceding the battle

The two armies were equal number but Warwick counted on the support of his/her son-in-law George, duke of Clarence, which was being the brother of Edouard and wanted to make peace with this last.

Edouard walked on London while Warwick remained with Coventry where it had raised troops. Having begun again its Edouard capital moved to meet Warwick with Barnet.

Side lancastrien John de Vere, 13 {{E}} count d' Oxford ordered the right side, John Neville, 1 {{er}} marquis de Montagu the center, and Henri Holland, 3 {{E}} duke of Exeter the left. They were in row out of the road with Barnet, with the left side on the way. The count de Warwick was with the reserves. The total of the troops was approximately 13.000 men.

Yorkistes, approximately 10.000, were placed on both sides road, with Edouard ordering the center, his brother Richard (later king Richard III of England) on the line, and Guillaume Hastings on the left.

Unfolding

The troops of Oxford, helped by their initial position of side made an effect of shock at the beginning on the left of the yorkists, but that was compensated by the fogs which returned difficult for the dukes of Somerset and of Exeter to push their advantage. The two armies were found parallel with the main road rather than perpendicular. Certain troops lancastriennes merged between them as being enemy (the symbols of circle were almost identical with the yorkists) in the confusion which followed. As the fog rose and Warwick recognizing its defeat it was mown whereas he tried to reach his horse. His/her young brother, the marquis de Montagu was also killed probably by the troops of Oxford when the cry of treason was heard.

The same day the Margaret queen unloaded with Weymouth and started to gather troops of the country and steps of Wales. If it had been able to join its forces to those of Warwick the things would have could finish very differently. Contrary the victory allowed Edouard to consolidate and prepare for final confrontation against the royal family lancastrienne with the Bataille of Tewkesbury.

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