May 3rd 1471: A Forced March through Champion Country

Hard Road to Tewkesbury

(Graham Turner: Studio 88)

King Edward’s army also had a difficult march in blistering heat, across the treeless Cotswolds, with nothing to eat and little to drink, not resting until they arrived at Cheltenham There they got news of Margaret’s arrival at Tewkesbury.

The King, the same morning, the Friday, early, advanced his banners and divided his whole host in three battles, and sent afore him his foreriders, and scourers, on every side him, and so, in fayre array and ordinance, he took his way through the champion country, called Cotteswold, traveling all his people, whereof were more than iij M footmen, that Friday, which was right-an-hot day, xxx miles and more ; which his people might not find, in all the way, horse-meat [food], ne mans-meat, ne so much as drink for their horses, save in one little brook, where was full little relief, it was so soon troubled with the carriages that had passed it. And all that day was evermore the Kings host within v or vj miles of his enemies; he in plain country and they amongst woods; having always good espials upon them. So, continuing that journey to he came, with all his host, to a village called Cheltenham, but five miles from Tewkesbury, where the King had certain knowledge that, but little afore his coming thither, his enemies were come to Tewkesbury, and there were taking a field, wherein they purposed to abide, and deliver him battle. Whereupon the King made no longer tarrying, but a little comforted himself, and his people, with such meat and drink as he had done to be carried with him, for victualing of his host; and, incontinent, set forth towards his enemies, and took the field, and lodged himself, and all his host, within three miles of them.

Local tradition says that Edward’s camp was at Tredington, a short, easy journey from Tewkesbury. Close enough for each to be aware of the other’s presence and to remind the foot soldiers of both sides of what was to come on the morrow.