BATTLE OF BOSWORTH

Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, challenged Richard iii to claim the throne

Richard had ruled England just over 2 years, Henry has been living in exile in France

HENRY

• He was encouraged by his Lancastrian family to claim the throne
• Henry requested help from the Stanley Brothers
• Also help from Lord Thomas

Richard heard of Henry's landing, sent out summons to his supporters to help him equipped for the battle

Richard marched out from Leicester with around 12,000 men with the intention of cutting Henry off from his March to London

The king's army camped ambion hill overnight but on the morning of the battle they moved someway down the hill to face the advancing army of Henry Tudor

Henry's men encountered a marsh and had to circle around it to face Richard

Richard unlike Henry has won a lot of battles, Richard ordered John Howard (duke of Norfolk) to attack once Henry's army had passed the marsh

Henry although not an experienced soldier had the Earl of Oxford which is an experienced soldier

Oxford's men when around the marsh to attack Richard's right flank to avoid heavy fire

This created a solid wedge and when Norfolk charged, he found it difficult to attack

However, Richard still has an advantage as he outnumbered Henry's army.

Henry's man eventually advance in battle order which Richard saw Norfolk losing on the right flank

Richard seeing Henry's approach with a relatively small force of man, could see a chance of winning

He charged into King Henry while William Stanley decided to support Henry.

Richard finally found himself outnumbered and was cut down and killed.

Richard's crown was recovered and Henry was then crowned nearby crown hill field

Richard is said to have been stripped naked and tied to a horse. From the battlefield, Richard was taken to Leicester

Tradition has it, his head hit the side of the Bow Bridge; the same bridge he had hit his knee on as he left Leicester 48 hours before, and thus completing the vision of the “old wise women” who had foretold his hitting the bridge twice.

Richard was laid out for two or three days for people to see, and thus confirm his death, and that of Henry’s victory at Bosworth.