Battle of Bosworth Field

The Battle of Bosworth or Bosworth Field was an important battle during the Wars of the Roses in 15th century England. It was fought on 22 August 1485 between the Yorkist King Richard III, the last of the Plantagenet dynasty, and the Lancastrian [[Henry VII of England|Henry Tudor]], who wanted to become king. It ended in the defeat and death of Richard and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. Historically, the battle is thought to have marked the end of the Wars of the Roses, although smaller battles were fought in the years that followed as Yorkists unsuccessfully tried to become king again.

Battle of Bosworth Field
Part of the Wars of the Roses
Date 22 August 1485 Location In the area of Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, England 52.60°N 1.41°W / 52.60; -1.41 Result Decisive Lancastrian victory
Belligerents
King Richard III of England, House of York	Henry Tudor, Lancastrians French Mercenaries
Commanders and leaders
Richard III of England†	Henry VII of England Earl of Oxford
Philibert de Chandée
Strength
6,000	5,000

The place of the battle is not precisely known. Memorials have been built in some of the possible locations.

Shakespearian dramatization

The Battle of Bosworth is an important part of William Shakespeare's play Richard III. The action of the play ends with this battle.

Battle Of Bosworth Field Media

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  Elizabeth of York: rumours of her marriage launched Henry's invasion.

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  A stained-glass window in St James's Church, Sutton Cheney, commemorates the Battle of Bosworth fought nearby and the leaders of the combatants, Richard III (left) and Henry VII (right).

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  March through Wales, to Bosworth Field.

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  Early battle (a scenario based on historical interpretations): elements of Richard's army charged down Ambion Hill to engage Henry's forces on the plain. The Stanleys stood at the south, observing the situation.

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  Late battle (a scenario based on historical interpretations): Richard led a small group of men around the main battle and charged Henry, who was moving towards the Stanleys. William Stanley rode to Henry's rescue.

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  Richard III's corpse found on the battlefield. Image by Charles Rochussen

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  Newport History Society re-enacts Henry's march through Wales to Bosworth Field during the battle's quincentenary celebration.

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  The Battle of Bosworth Field, a Scene in the Great Drama of History, illustrating Beckett's mocking of Victorian attitude towards history

Further reading

• Bosworth 1485: A Battlefield Rediscovered by Glenn Foard and Anne Curry (2013: forthcoming) - The archaeology of the battle
• Bosworth: The Birth of the Tudors by Chris Skidmore (2013) - Overview of the battle in its historical context
• Battle Story: Bosworth 1485 by Mike Ingram (2011) - Analysis of the battle by a military expert

Other websites

• Bosworth Battlefield visitor info
• Richard III Society, American Branch Archived 2013-02-09 at the Wayback Machine with maps, photos, articles presenting several competing theories situating the battle
• The Battle of Bosworth Archived 2010-05-07 at the Wayback Machine
• Bosworth Roll Call Archived 2006-12-31 at the Wayback Machine Officers there on the day.