April 5th 1471: Taking the Road South

Marching to Battle

(Tewkesbury Medieval Festival)

Edward had come to the conclusion that waiting around Warwickshire was futile and time wasting, especially as there was another threat, of Queen Margaret’s return, on the horizon. He decided that moving on to London and taking control of the city, and King Henry, were in his best interests.

Accordingly, the Yorkists took to the London Road. In passing Coventry, one last challenge was made to the Earl of Warwick, but there was no response. They continued on the road south.

The King, with his brethren, this considering, and that in no wise he could provoke him to come out of the town, ne thinking it sensible to assail, ne to tarry for the sieging thereof; as well for avoidance of great slaughters that should thereby ensue, and for that it was thought more expedient to them to draw towards London, and there, with help of God, and the assistance of his true lords, lovers, and servants, which were there, in those parts, in great number; knowing also, that his principal adversary, Henry, with many his partakers, were at London, there usurping and using the authority royal, which barred and letted the King of many aids and assistances, that he should and might have had, in divers parts, if he might once shew himself of power to break their authority ; wherefore, by the advice of his said brethren, and other of his counsel, he took his purpose to London wards, and so departed from Warwick ; yet, a last time, showing him and his host before Coventry, and desiring the said Earl, and his fellowship, to come out and for to determine his quarrel by battle, which he and they utterly refused, wherefore the King and his brethren kept forth their purpose southwards, And this was the v. day of April the Friday. (The ‘Arrivall’)