WOTR 1464 - Battle of Hexham - Scenario

Date: Weds 24th September 2025

Table size: 8x6

Context: After the disaster of Hedgley Moor, the Lancastrians have regrouped at Alnwick when word arrives of Edward IVs sizeable army converging on Leicester. Knowing that only a swift victory in the North can save them from this army, they march South with Henry VI at their head and hoping that his presence will lend support and people joining the cause.

Yorkist Lord Montagu, upon returning to Newcastle, receives news of the Lancastrian army arriving in Hexham, which acts as sufficient encouragement for him to march out without awaiting for reinforcements from the South.

The Lancastrians have camped 2 miles south of Hexham town, by a stretch of river known as 'Devils Water', with Henry VI being made comfortable in Bywell close by. 

On the morning of the 15th May, the Yorkist army marches past Bywell, Lancastrian scouts give warning as the campsite rises to find battle at their door.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - Yorkist: Engage and Destroy Yorkist forces, attempt to capture Henry VI

Objectives - Lancastrian: Defend against the rush Yorkist attacks while escorting Henry IV to safety

Order of Battle - Yorkist: 6 Households, 1 Medium Cavalry, 2 Mounted Men at Arms,  2 Crossbows, 23 Men at Arms, 1 Handgunners

Order of Battle - Lancastrian: 6 Households, 1 Medium Cavalry, 2 Mounted Men at Arms, 1 Crossbows, 2 Handgunners, 3 Men at Arms, 2 cannon.

Scenario Rules:  

All commands on both sides are rated at 8. Montague will be at command 9 for the first turn, then revert to 8

Lancastrians deploy first

Montagues brigade deploys on the table ahead of the rest of the Yorkist troops who will come onto the table from reserve in Turn 1. This brigade must be deployed on the hill (as much as possible) at start of game.

Henry VI must be escorted off the North Eastern corner of the table by the Lancastrians to achieve a full victory.

If the Yorkists move a unit across the model base for Henry VI in a single move, they count as having captured him and he is placed with that unit - note that it takes a command action to capture.

Lancastrians can reclaim Henry VI, if captured, by forcing a retreat in HTH or breaking the unit currently holding the model base.