Battle of Wakefield remembered

War cries were heard echoing around the ruins of Sandal Castle as the 554th anniversary of the Battle of Wakefield was remembered.
Battle of Wakefield remembered.Battle of Wakefield remembered.
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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Richard Duke of York lead his army of around 5,000 into battle.

Battle of Wakefield remembered.Battle of Wakefield remembered.
Battle of Wakefield remembered.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr 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.

Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 281214 - Press - Sandal Castle Open Day, Sandal Castle, Sandal, Wakefield, England - Children are given training lessons in the old arts of the medieval battlefield.Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 281214 - Press - Sandal Castle Open Day, Sandal Castle, Sandal, Wakefield, England - Children are given training lessons in the old arts of the medieval battlefield.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 281214 - Press - Sandal Castle Open Day, Sandal Castle, Sandal, Wakefield, England - Children are given training lessons in the old arts of the medieval battlefield.

“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.

Related topics: