What was the Siege of London in 1471, and what was its significance within the Wars of the Roses?

The Siege of London, which took place from May 12 to May 15, 1471, was a military engagement during the Wars of the Roses. It involved adherents of the House of Lancaster attempting to storm the city and free King Henry VI from his imprisonment. The siege concluded with a Yorkist victory, effectively completing the final restoration of King Edward IV and securing the Yorkist claim to the throne.

Who commanded the Lancastrian forces during the Siege of London in 1471, and what was their primary objective?

The Lancastrian forces during the Siege of London were commanded by Thomas Neville. His primary objective was to storm the city and liberate King Henry VI, who was being held captive in the Tower of London by the Yorkist king, Edward IV.

What was the outcome of the Siege of London in May 1471?

The Siege of London resulted in a decisive Yorkist victory. The Lancastrian attempt to storm the city failed, leading to their retreat and surrender, which solidified Edward IV's hold on the throne.

What events immediately preceded the Siege of London in 1471, setting the stage for this confrontation?

The Siege of London occurred shortly after two major battles: the Battle of Barnet on April 14, 1471, where Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, and his brother were killed, and the Battle of Tewkesbury on May 4, 1471, where the Lancastrian heir, Prince Edward of Westminster, was killed. These battles had significantly weakened the Lancastrian cause before Neville's forces attempted to take London.

Describe King Edward IV's return to England and his actions leading up to the Siege of London.

King Edward IV, having been in exile in Burgundy, landed at Ravenspurn, Yorkshire, in March 1471. He successfully bypassed Lancastrian forces, rallied support, and entered London on April 11, where he secured the imprisoned Henry VI in the Tower of London. After defeating Warwick at Barnet and Margaret of Anjou's forces at Tewkesbury, Edward left the command of London to Earl Rivers to pursue Margaret, unaware that Thomas Neville was preparing to attack the capital.

Who was Thomas Neville, and what was his connection to the Earl of Warwick?

Thomas Neville was a cousin of Richard Neville, the powerful Earl of Warwick. He had been tasked with patrolling the English Channel and was instrumental in raising Lancastrian forces in Kent, acting on messages from Warwick before the Battle of Barnet.

What forces did Thomas Neville assemble in Kent before marching on London?

Thomas Neville assembled a force that initially included 300 men sent from Calais by Geoffrey Gate. He was joined by Nicholas Faunt, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, who raised 200 men, along with other recruits. His army grew to approximately 3,000 men, motivated by loyalty to Warwick or Henry VI, and the potential for looting the capital.

Why did London authorities refuse entry to Thomas Neville's forces in May 1471?

The London authorities refused entry to Thomas Neville's forces on May 9, 1471, shortly after receiving news of Edward IV's victory at the Battle of Tewkesbury. They were also mindful of the looting committed by Kentish soldiers during a previous Lancastrian restoration in 1461 and were preparing to defend the city.

How did London prepare to defend itself against the approaching Lancastrian army?

London prepared for defense by equipping the banks of the River Thames with cannons and arming its citizens. The city authorities were determined to resist the siege, having learned from past experiences with armies seeking entry.

What was the estimated size of Edward IV's army summoned to defend London?

According to Warkworth's Chronicle, Edward IV summoned an army that grew to approximately 30,000 men to defend the capital against Thomas Neville's forces.

What was Thomas Neville's primary motivation for persisting with the siege despite London's refusal and Edward IV's victories?

Thomas Neville likely persisted with the siege primarily because King Henry VI was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The potential release of Henry VI, even after the death of his son, could have revived the Lancastrian cause, making it a crucial objective for Neville.

Describe the initial Lancastrian attacks on London on May 12, 1471.

On May 12, 1471, Thomas Neville arrived near the Tower of London with his fleet. He organized an attack on London Bridge and directed his army to assault Southwark. This initial assault was not decisive, resulting mainly in the destruction of a bridge in Southwark and minor damage to shops in the St Katherines Precinct.

How did Thomas Neville attempt to attack Westminster on May 13, 1471, and how was this thwarted?

On May 13, Neville shifted his strategy westward, aiming to attack Kingston Bridge to gain access to Westminster. However, the Yorkist commander, Earl Rivers, anticipated this maneuver and had his troops patrol the Thames to protect the bridge, preventing Neville's advance.

What tactical shift did Thomas Neville employ on May 14, 1471, and what was the outcome?

On May 14, Neville launched a major assault involving 3,000 men through the densely populated St Katherines Precinct. They looted shops and set fire to Bishopsgate. Although they inflicted losses and captured 50 oxen intended for the Tower garrison, they were ultimately pushed back from the Thames by reinforcements led by Henry Bourchier, Earl of Essex, and the London militia.

What happened during the Lancastrian assault on Aldgate on May 14, 1471?

During the assault on Aldgate on May 14, some Lancastrian insurgents managed to seize a newly built rampart. The London militia recaptured the rampart after a pincer assault. Some insurgents were trapped behind the portcullis and killed by the populace, while others retreated.

How did the Lancastrians attempt to breach London Bridge during the siege?

Thomas Neville moved his cannons from his ships onto the right bank of the Thames. He used these cannons to support his men who attacked London Bridge, setting fire to the small buildings on it in an effort to create an entry point into the city without needing to breach a gate. However, the garrison's artillery stopped their advance at the tower guarding the drawbridge.

What happened on May 15, 1471, marking the end of active fighting in the siege?

On May 15, Thomas Neville returned to Southwark. Some of his troops retreated to Mile End or Stratford and boarded ships to return to Kent, while others regrouped at Blackheath. This marked the effective end of the active siege operations as the Lancastrian forces began to withdraw.

What factors likely contributed to Thomas Neville's decision to retreat and surrender?

Thomas Neville's retreat and eventual surrender were likely influenced by several factors. These included the imminent arrival of Edward IV's vanguard, the collapse of the Yorkshire uprising, the overwhelming Yorkist forces summoned by Edward, and possibly prior negotiations with the king, using his fleet as a bargaining chip.

When and to whom did Thomas Neville formally surrender?

Thomas Neville formally surrendered on May 27, 1471, to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who had been authorized to receive his surrender.

What happened to King Henry VI immediately following the end of the siege?

On May 21, 1471, Edward IV returned to London. That same night, Henry VI died suddenly in the Tower of London. His death is widely believed to have been an assassination orchestrated by Edward IV to eliminate any remaining threat from the deposed king.

What actions did Edward IV take against the rebels after the siege concluded?

After returning to London, Edward IV knighted the citizens who had distinguished themselves in defending the city. He then led an expedition to Kent to pursue the rebels involved in the siege. This pursuit was marked by severity, including the execution of Nicholas Faunt and numerous other executions and fines.

What was the fate of Nicholas Faunt, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, after the siege?

Nicholas Faunt, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury who had supported Thomas Neville, was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. He was executed on May 29, 1471, and his head was later displayed on London Bridge alongside Thomas Neville's.

What ultimately happened to Thomas Neville after his surrender?

After his surrender, Thomas Neville accompanied Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to Middleham Castle. However, his loyalty to the House of York was soon questioned, and he was beheaded under unclear circumstances on September 22, 1471, possibly following an escape attempt. His head was then displayed on London Bridge.

What was the role of Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, during the events surrounding the siege?

Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers, was Edward IV's brother-in-law and was left in command of London when Edward IV departed to pursue Margaret of Anjou after the Battle of Barnet. Earl Rivers played a key role in organizing the city's defense against Thomas Neville's attacks, anticipating maneuvers and ordering counter-bombardments.

What was the estimated strength of the Yorkist forces defending London during the siege?

The infobox states the strength of the Yorkist belligerents as approximately 4,500 men. This likely refers to the forces directly engaged in defending London, distinct from the larger army Edward IV summoned.

What was the estimated strength of the Lancastrian forces attempting to storm London?

The infobox indicates that the Lancastrian forces commanded by Thomas Neville numbered approximately 5,000 men. This figure likely includes the initial levies and reinforcements gathered in Kent.

What image is referenced in the source material, and what does it depict?

The source material references an image depicting Yorkist defenders sallying from Aldgate, or possibly Bishopsgate. This illustration visually represents a moment of active defense during the siege.

How did the population of London generally feel about Edward IV compared to Henry VI in 1471?

The source states that Edward IV was welcomed with joy by the population of London upon his return on April 11, 1471, indicating that the city was generally in his favor.

What role did the Tower of London play during the siege?

The Tower of London was significant because it held the deposed King Henry VI captive. Thomas Neville's objective was to free him, and the Tower itself was also a target of bombardment during the siege, as it housed Henry VI and, at one point, Edward IV's wife and children.

What was the significance of the St Katherines Precinct during the siege?

The St Katherines Precinct, located to the east of the Tower of London, was a densely populated area that became a focal point of fighting. Lancastrian forces attacked through it on May 14, looting shops and setting fire to Bishopsgate, and it was also the site of damage to shops during the initial attacks.

Besides Thomas Neville, who were other key Lancastrian figures involved in the broader conflict leading up to the siege?

Other key Lancastrian figures mentioned in the context of the conflict leading up to the siege include Queen Margaret of Anjou, her son Prince Edward of Westminster, and Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, who maintained support in Wales.

Besides Edward IV, Anthony Woodville (Earl Rivers), and Henry Bourchier (Earl of Essex), who was another prominent Yorkist figure mentioned in relation to the siege's aftermath?

Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later King Richard III), was a prominent Yorkist figure who received Thomas Neville's surrender on May 27, 1471.

What was the 'epilogue' role of the Siege of London in the context of the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury?

The Siege of London served as an epilogue to the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury. While those battles eliminated key Lancastrian commanders and the heir, the siege represented the final suppression of Lancastrian resistance, completing Edward IV's restoration and securing the Yorkist hold on the throne.

What historical precedent existed for London denying entry to armies during the Wars of the Roses prior to 1471?

The primary exception mentioned was in 1461, when the Lancastrian army led by Margaret of Anjou was denied access to London after its victory at the Second Battle of St Albans. This precedent likely informed the city's decision to refuse entry to Thomas Neville's forces in 1471.

What was the stated reason for Edward IV's exile prior to his return in 1471?

Edward IV had been in exile in Burgundy following the defection of his former comrade-in-arms, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, to the House of Lancaster the previous year.

Where did Edward IV disembark upon his return to England in March 1471?

Edward IV disembarked at Ravenspurn, Yorkshire, upon his return to England in March 1471.

What was the significance of Westminster Abbey during this period?

Westminster Abbey served as a sanctuary where Edward IV's wife, Elizabeth Woodville, and their children had taken refuge since October of the previous year. They were reunited with Edward IV there after he secured London.

How did the thick fog at the Battle of Barnet contribute to the outcome?

The thick fog during the Battle of Barnet inadvertently caused Lancastrian troops to attack each other, contributing to a rout and the deaths of Warwick and Montagu.

Why was Queen Margaret of Anjou's arrival in England delayed?

Queen Margaret of Anjou and her son Prince Edward were delayed in France by a storm, which prevented them from bringing reinforcements to Warwick in time for the Battle of Barnet.

What happened to Margaret of Anjou and her son after landing in England?

After landing at Weymouth, Dorset, Margaret of Anjou and her son Prince Edward were delayed at Gloucester and forced to cross the River Severn. They were eventually overtaken by Edward IV's army near Tewkesbury, leading to the Battle of Tewkesbury where Prince Edward was killed. Margaret was captured shortly after.

What was the strategic error made by the Lancastrian army near Tewkesbury?

The Lancastrian army near Tewkesbury abandoned a strategic height, which precipitated their defeat and rout in the Battle of Tewkesbury.

Besides Thomas Neville's actions in Kent, what other Lancastrian resistance persisted after Tewkesbury?

Despite the major defeats, Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, still had significant support in Wales, and there was an uprising against Edward IV in Yorkshire after he left to confront Warwick.

What was the role of Nicholas Faunt in the events leading to the siege?

Nicholas Faunt, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, supported Thomas Neville by raising 200 men for his army in Kent. He was later executed for his role in the rebellion.

What was the approximate date Thomas Neville landed at Sandwich, Kent?

Thomas Neville landed at Sandwich, Kent, sometime before May 3, 1471.

What was the significance of the 'St Katherines Precinct' in the context of the siege attacks?

The St Katherines Precinct was a densely populated area near the Tower of London. It was a site of significant fighting, including looting and arson by Lancastrian forces on May 14, and was also where some shops were damaged during earlier attacks.

What specific items were captured by Neville's forces from the Thames during the May 14 assault?

During the May 14 assault, Neville's insurgents managed to capture 50 of butcher Gould's oxen that were destined for the Tower garrison.

What happened to some Lancastrian insurgents who were trapped behind the portcullis at Aldgate?

Some Lancastrian insurgents who were trapped behind the portcullis at Aldgate were immediately massacred by the London populace.

What was the purpose of Neville using cannons from his ships to attack London Bridge?

Neville used cannons from his ships to attack London Bridge and set fire to the buildings on it with the aim of clearing a point of entry into the city, bypassing the need to breach a fortified gate.

Where did some of Neville's troops retreat to after the fighting on May 15, 1471?

After the fighting on May 15, some of Neville's troops retreated to Mile End or Stratford, from where they boarded ships to return to Kent. Others regrouped at Blackheath.

What information did Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, convey to Edward IV on May 13, 1471?

On May 13, 1471, Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, informed Edward IV of the collapse of the Yorkshire uprising following the announcement of his victory at Tewkesbury.

What action did Edward IV take on May 14, 1471, in response to the news he received?

On May 14, 1471, Edward IV dispatched 1,500 men from Coventry to support Earl Rivers in London, likely in anticipation of Neville's continued actions or retreat.

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Historical Context

Edward IV's Return

In March 1471, King Edward IV of the House of York, having been exiled to Burgundy, landed at Ravenspurn, Yorkshire. His objective was to reclaim the throne from the rival House of Lancaster, currently represented by the imprisoned King Henry VI. Edward skillfully bypassed Lancastrian forces and entered London unopposed on April 11th, where he secured Henry VI within the Tower of London.

Decisive Battles

Edward IV swiftly confronted the Earl of Warwick, a key Lancastrian figure who had defected from York. The Battle of Barnet on April 14th resulted in a decisive Yorkist victory, with both Warwick and his brother, Montagu, killed. Shortly after, on May 4th, Edward IV decisively defeated Queen Margaret of Anjou and her son, Prince Edward of Westminster, at the Battle of Tewkesbury, effectively eliminating the primary Lancastrian military leadership.

Lancastrian Resistance Persists

Despite these crushing defeats, pockets of Lancastrian support remained. Thomas Neville, a cousin of Warwick, had been tasked with patrolling the English Channel. Unaware of the full extent of the Lancastrian collapse, Neville landed in Kent with a force, intending to rally support and potentially free Henry VI from the Tower of London. His actions represented the final significant military challenge to Edward IV's restored reign.

Engagement Overview

Key Details of the Siege

This confrontation, though brief, was strategically significant as the last major Lancastrian effort before the final consolidation of Edward IV's power.

Attribute	Details
Date	12–15 May 1471
Location	London, England
Outcome	Decisive Yorkist Victory
Belligerents	House of York vs. House of Lancaster
Commanders	Earl Rivers, Earl of Essex (York) vs. Thomas Neville (Lancaster)
Approximate Strength	Yorkist: 4,500 men Lancastrian: 5,000 men

The Siege of London

Neville's Demand and London's Refusal

Thomas Neville arrived near London by May 8th, requesting passage for his troops. However, news of Edward IV's victories at Barnet and Tewkesbury had already reached the city council. Mindful of past looting by Kentish forces, and bolstered by Edward's imminent return, the authorities denied Neville entry. London began preparing defenses, arming its citizens and positioning artillery along the Thames.

Initial Assaults

On May 12th, Neville launched his assault. His forces attacked London Bridge and Southwark, causing some destruction but failing to breach the city's defenses. Subsequent maneuvers attempted to flank the city by targeting Kingston Bridge to reach Westminster, but Yorkist patrols under the Earl Rivers anticipated and blocked these movements. Neville then repositioned his cannons, aiming to bombard the Tower of London, intending to free Henry VI and reignite the Lancastrian cause.

Fierce Street Fighting

The most intense fighting occurred on May 14th. Neville committed approximately 3,000 men to advance through the densely populated St. Katharine's Precinct, looting shops and setting fire to Bishopsgate. However, reinforcements led by the Earl of Essex arrived, engaging Neville's insurgents. The London militia counter-attacked, pushing the Lancastrians back from the Thames banks, though not without significant losses on both sides. Fierce fighting also occurred near Aldgate, where Lancastrians briefly seized a rampart before being repulsed.

Lancastrian Retreat and Surrender

Withdrawal from London

By May 15th, the Lancastrian offensive had failed. Neville withdrew his main force back to Southwark, while other contingents retreated towards Mile End and Stratford, boarding ships to return to Kent. Some regrouped at Blackheath, awaiting further orders. The imminent arrival of Edward IV's main army, reinforced by troops dispatched from Coventry, likely precipitated Neville's decision to disengage.

Negotiation and Capitulation

Neville eventually moved towards Southampton, reportedly using his fleet as leverage for negotiations. On May 27th, he formally surrendered to Richard, Duke of Gloucester. This capitulation marked the definitive end of organized Lancastrian military resistance following the battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury.

Aftermath and Consolidation

The Fate of Henry VI

Edward IV returned to London on May 21st, consolidating his victory. That same night, Henry VI died under mysterious circumstances within the Tower of London. While officially attributed to "grief and despair," it is widely believed he was assassinated on Edward's orders, removing any lingering symbol of Lancastrian legitimacy.

Edward's Retribution

Edward IV did not linger in London. He immediately led an expedition into Kent to pursue and punish those involved in Neville's uprising. The king's response was severe, with numerous executions and fines imposed. The Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Nicholas Faunt, was among those executed, highlighting the harsh consequences for those who challenged the restored Yorkist regime.

Neville's Final End

Thomas Neville accompanied Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to Middleham Castle. However, his loyalty remained suspect. He was eventually beheaded on September 22nd, 1471, under unclear circumstances, possibly related to an escape attempt. His head, along with that of Nicholas Faunt, was displayed on London Bridge, a stark warning to any potential dissenters.

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References

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The Siege of London, 1471

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

Edward IV's Return

Decisive Battles

Lancastrian Resistance Persists

Engagement Overview

Key Details of the Siege

The Siege of London

Neville's Demand and London's Refusal

Initial Assaults

Fierce Street Fighting

Lancastrian Retreat and Surrender

Withdrawal from London

Negotiation and Capitulation

Aftermath and Consolidation

The Fate of Henry VI

Edward's Retribution

Neville's Final End

Further Reading

Scholarly Works

Teacher's Corner

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References

References

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The Siege of London, 1471

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Context 📜

👑 Edward IV's Return

⚔️ Decisive Battles

🌊 Lancastrian Resistance Persists

Engagement Overview 📊

ℹ️ Key Details of the Siege

The Siege of London 🏰

✉️ Neville's Demand and London's Refusal

💥 Initial Assaults

🔥 Fierce Street Fighting

Lancastrian Retreat and Surrender 🏃

🚢 Withdrawal from London

🤝 Negotiation and Capitulation

Aftermath and Consolidation ⚖️

💀 The Fate of Henry VI

⚔️ Edward's Retribution

🔪 Neville's Final End

Further Reading 📖

📚 Scholarly Works

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

Edward IV's Return

Decisive Battles

Lancastrian Resistance Persists

Engagement Overview

Key Details of the Siege

The Siege of London

Neville's Demand and London's Refusal

Initial Assaults

Fierce Street Fighting

Lancastrian Retreat and Surrender

Withdrawal from London

Negotiation and Capitulation

Aftermath and Consolidation

The Fate of Henry VI

Edward's Retribution

Neville's Final End

Further Reading

Scholarly Works

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice