March 27th 1471: A Turning Point

Sir William Norreys of Bray and Yattendon

(The Street Banners of Tewkesbury)

There was good news for Edward when he arrived at Leicester. He was joined by retainers of his trusted Chamberlain Lord Hastings, including Sir William Norreys and Sir William Stanley (who had chosen Edward above Warwick). They brought 3,000 men with them, which must have been a huge relief to King Edward, and was the moment when the odds moved in his favour.

At Leicester came to the King right-a-fayre fellowship of folks, to the number of iij M men, well habyled [dressed] for the wars, such as were verily to be trusted, as those that would utterly inparte with him at best and worst in his quarrel, with all their force and might to do him their true service. And, in substance, they were such as were towards the Lorde Hastings, the King’s Chamberlain, and, for that intent above said, came to him, stirred by his messages sent unto them, and by his servants, friends, and lovers, such as were in the country. (The Arrivall)

The Earl of Warwick had been at Warwick Castle, corresponding with the armies which were marching to his side, as he thought, and knights who he thought would come to his aid. Being very cautious, he was not yet ready to face Edward in battle, though. The author of the ‘Arrivall’ was not impressed:

…said great Rebel, the Earl of Warwick, the which he knew well was departed out of London, and come into Warwickshire, where he bestirred him, and in the countries near adjoining, to assemble all that he might, to the intent to have made a mighty field against the King, and to have distressed him. Wherefore, from Nottingham, the King took the straight way towards him, by Leicester; but, as soon as he heard of the King’s coming onwards, and approaching near, either for that him thought not to be of sufficient power to give him battle in that plain field, or else, for that he lacked hardiness and courage so to do. albeit he had assembled greater number than the King had at that time; for by pretended authority of Henry, than called King, he was constitute Lieutenant of England, and, whereas he cowthe not arraise the people with good will, he straightly charged them to come forth upon pain of death; he withdrew himself, and all his fellowship, into a strong walled town there near by him, called Coventry.