Penultimate Towton Game: Ferrybridge and the Flower of Craven

Last night saw the penultimate game in the Towton campaign – three linked scenarios based around the action at Ferrybridge, which saw a fairly historical result, for once.

At Ferrybridge itself, the Duke of Somerset (Mark G) raced across the bridge, brushing aside the light opposition, burning and pillaging as he went, ably supported by Graham.  Somerset, however, considered his job done and retired across the river rather than attempt the complete destruction of both Warwick and Richard of York, and left Graham adrift – and destroyed – in his turn.  So a marginal Lancastrian victory.

Meanwhile further upstream the retinue of Mowbray (Gus and Euan) supported by mercenaries was attempting to race across the river Aire at Castleford and cut off the Lancastrians who were fighting at Ferrybridge.  Mowbray’s initial attack was driven off by Sir Everard Digby (Ron), while the Yorkist mercenaries (Ian Scott) raced up to the river… and stopped, perhaps not enjoying the prospect of fighting the French mercenaries of Michael de Lillie.  Not dismayed, the remnants of Mowbray’s forces charged in against the Lancastrian bowmen and broke them, killing Digby in the process and opening up the road.  A bloody victory to the Yorkists.

Which led the way to the third battle.   Lord Clifford (Mark and son) was retreating to the main Lancastrian army, and was to be met by Percy (Michael) at Dinting Dale.  Clifford was outflanked by Sir John Stafford (Luis) who had crossed the river at Castleford in Mowbray’s wake.  Clifford honourably turned to face them rather than racing for safety.  Perhaps he would have chosen otherwise had he realised his pursuers were also following up on the road!  Percy was held up facing off the retinue of Lord Scrope (George), and Clifford fell, his retinue surrounded and destroyed. 

Net result – victory to the Yorkists, though both sides suffered heavily. It was nice to see a historical result, with all the tables going the ‘right’ way.  At least three lords were killed, including Clifford, Digby and de Lillie.  Overall though, I think the Lancastrians have edged it 3:2 in the campaign so far.  Both Lancastrian and Yorkist lords showed dubious support for their supposed allies: will these tensions come out in the final battle?  And that's the result that counts!