England is a country steeped in history, and as such, it is home to many historic battle sites that have played a significant role in shaping the country’s past. From the Battle of Hastings to the Battle of Neville’s Cross, each of these battles has a story to tell, and they provide a unique glimpse into the past. In this article, we will take a closer look at ten of the greatest English battle sites.
Visiting battle sites in England can be a bit underwhelming, as most of the battles took place so long ago; they just look like fields and there’s little physical evidence a battle took place there. The example picture above, where the Battle of Hastings took place, is a pretty field full of sheep now. However, when I visited a few years ago, I found it very moving to walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror, and the interactive experience on-site explained the battle and its context very well. So, I think it’s definitely worth visiting these battlefields in England!
Lewes, Sussex (Battle of Lewes)
On 14 May 1264, the downs to the north-west of the town of Lewes were the site of a battle between the army of Henry III and the forces of a number of rebel Barons, led by Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. After initial success, the Royalists were overwhelmed and retreated to Lewes Castle.
Battle, East Sussex (Battle of Hastings)
The Battle of Hastings is perhaps the most well-known battle in English history. It took place in 1066, and King Harold’s army fought against William, Duke of Normandy. William attacked with both cavalry and infantry, while the English troops fought mainly on foot behind a wall of shields. The decisive Norman victory shaped the future of both England and Europe, and the battle was immortalized in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Northallerton, Yorkshire (Battle of the Standard)
The Battle of the Standard was one of two major battles fought in England’s largely forgotten civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. On 22nd August 1138, the Scottish King David I crossed the border into England in support of his niece Matilda’s claim to the English throne. Although greatly outnumbered, the English won the day, inflicting heavy casualties on their neighbors.
Evesham, Worcestershire (Battle of Evesham)
Evesham was the site of the decisive battle in the Second Barons’ War. On the morning of 4 August 1265, de Montfort met Prince Edward in battle once again, and this time, the odds were in the prince’s favor. The royal army was at least twice the size of de Montfort’s rebel forces, and the battle became a rout. Both de Montfort and his son Henry were killed, along with about 4,000 of his men.
Maldon, Essex (Battle of Maldon)
The Battle of Maldon took place in the year 991 when a marauding army of Vikings sailed up the River Blackwater. After a fierce battle against the Saxons, the invaders won but paid the price with heavy casualties. A statue of Byrhtnoth, leader of the Anglo-Saxons in Maldon, stands in the town as a tribute to the battle.
Otterburn, Northumberland (Battle of Otterburn)
With King Richard II distracted by battles with his rebellious barons, the Scots sought to seize the advantage with a series of raids on towns in northern England. The Battle of Otterburn was fought on August 19, 1388, between the Scottish and the English forces. Despite being outnumbered, the Scottish forces emerged victorious, led by James Douglas, who died in battle.
Boroughbridge, Yorkshire (Battle of Boroughbridge)
The long dispute between King Edward II and his cousin, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, came to a bloody end at the Battle of Boroughbridge on 16 March 1322. Following the defeat at Burton on Trent, Lancaster’s rebels were retreating north when they were met by Royalist forces under the command of Sir Andrew de Harcla, Warden of Carlisle. The Royalists outnumbered the rebels four to one, and Thomas was captured and later executed.
Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland (Battle of Halidon Hill)
Another conflict between the English and Scots, the Battle of Halidon Hill, was the result of the English King Edward III’s support for Edward Balliol’s claim to the Scottish throne. When, in the spring of 1333, the two Edwards headed north with an army of 8,000 men and laid siege to the Scottish-held town of Berwick, they were met by an army of 15,000 Scots.
Neville’s Cross, Northumberland (Battle of Neville’s Cross)
In 1346, some 12,000 Scots rampaged their way through northern England. To stop them, an army of 7,000 Englishmen was enlisted by William Zouche, Archbishop of York. One cold October morning, the English launched a surprise attack on the Scots. The ensuing battle saw the invaders forced back across the Scottish border.
Myton, North Yorkshire (Battle of Myton Bridge)
The Battle of Myton Bridge took place in 1319 during the Scottish Wars of Independence. A Scottish army of 15,000 men crossed into England and attacked Yorkshire. An army hastily assembled by the Archbishop of York sought to defend the county, but they were outnumbered and defeated by the Scots.
These ten battle sites provide a glimpse into England’s past and the struggles that have shaped the country’s history. From the Norman Conquest to the Wars of Independence, each of these battles played a significant role in shaping the country’s future. Today, they serve as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought and died for England.
Hi Jonathan,
I’m surprised Bosworth Field is not on your list of best English battlefields. Bosworth is one of the most significant battles of the 15th century, which saw the demise of the Plantagenet dynasty with the death of King Richard III, and the rise of the Tudors with the battlefield crowning of Henry VII. It’s got a wonderful visitor center/museum and walking trail. Bosworth is certainly better known than a few battles you’ve mentioned in your article.
Another significant battlefield is that of Tewkesbury (1471) which saw the Yorkist faction under Edward IV decisively defeat the Lancastrian forces of Henry VI. The battle resulted in the death of the Lancastrian heir, Edward of Westminster, and that of Henry VI shortly thereafter in the Tower of London. The town of Tewkesbury holds a huge 2-day medieval festival and battle re-enactment (including executions!) the middle weekend of each July, on the site of the battle.
Bosworth also has a medieval festival in August. I heartily recommend attending these festivals during summer visits to England – lots of fun and very educational!
What, no Civil Wars battlefields? How about Sedgmoor in Somerset? No one has heard of these early fights, besides Battle.
Saving it for another article. One article doesn’t need to cover everything!