WOTR 1469 - Battle of Edgcote - Scenario

Date: Weds 30th September 2026

Table size: 8x6

Context: As Edward IV grew into his role as King, he recognised his over-reliance Warwick and broadened his support to include men personally loyal to him, like Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, and Stafford, Earl of Devon.

Warwicks plan at this point, was to marry his eldest daughter to the Duke of Clarence the Yorkist heir to the throne, Edward having no son at this point. A swift campaign resulting in a victory against Edward would put his son-in-law on the throne and the reigns of power into his hands. 

Around the same time in early in 1469 there were several risings in the north. Although some of these may been spontaneous, by late May/early June a rebel named ‘Robin of Redesdale’ (likely a Warwick associated figure) was proving particularly problematic, and beyond the ability of local Yorkist forces to suppress. Edward started to raise forces to deal with the problem, but was slow in doing so.

During July, Edward was based around Newark and Nottingham, building his army, watching out for Redesdale’s forces (now openly led by Warwick retainers).

Shortly thereafter, Warwick and Clarence publish a manifesto outlining their grievances with Edward IV and begin moving North.

Despite Edward’s massing his forces in the North Midlands, the rebels move past him. Shocked to discover he is outnumbered by the rebel forces, Edward falls into a defensive position on Edgcote Hill.

Due to a quarrel over a barmaid amongst the Royalist commanders, Devon withdraws his forces and leaves in a huff, with the possibility of returning to the main field on the day.

On the evening prior to the battle, a small rebel force led by Sir Henry Neville, encountered the pickets protecting the royalist camp. Whilst asking for quarter, Neville was dismounted and slain by his captors, causing the following battle to be especially vicious.

Battlefield Description:

Royalist forces were camped on Edgcote Lodge Hill, overlooking an area known as Danesmoor, bounded on the far side by a tributary of the River Cherwell and a ridge line in front of Culworth. 

The rebels were camped near Thorpe Mandeville, concealed by high ground. 

The armies probably numbered 2-3,000 each

Objectives - Royalist: Engage and destroy Rebel forces, attempt to capture or kill Warwick

Objectives - Rebel: Engage and destroy Royalist forces, attempt to capture or kill Edward

Order of Battle - Royalist: 

4 Households

2 Heavy Cavalry/Mounted Men at Arms

2 Medium Cavalry  

1 Crossbows

1 Handgunners

2 Men at Arms

2 Cannon

Note, the below forces will arrive later in the battle from reserve:

Devon

2 Households

1 Crossbow

1 Men at Arms

Order of Battle - Rebel: 

6 Households

2 Heavy Cavalry/Mounted Men at Arms

2 Medium Cavalry  

1 Crossbows

2 Handgunners

3 Men at Arms

2 Cannon