Battle of Wakefield remembered
And to add authenticity to the commemoration, the reenactment took place in conditions similar to those on December 30, 1460.
On that day King Henry VI’s opposing Lancastrian force of 15,000 had assembled below Sandal Castle.
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Hide AdRichard Duke of York lead his army of around 5,000 into battle.
But he and most of his Yorkist soldiers were slaughtered during one of the most important battles of the War of the Roses.
The Friends of Sandal Castle held an afternoon of events to commemorate the anniversary.
Youngsters got to grips with weaponry displays and battle cries during a reenactment at the castle and historian Helen Cox gave a lecture about Richard Duke of York.
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Hide AdDr Keith Souter, of the friends group, said: “It was really successful and we had a great turn out. The children had the opportunity to take part in a charge, which they really enjoyed.
“It was ideal weather for the day as the battle was fought in the snow so it was really authentic.
“The people who came learned a lot about the War of the Roses and the Duke of York.”
There was also a parade from the castle to a monument on Manygates Lane, close to the spot where it is believed the Duke of York fell, where The Frei Compagnie laid a wreath.