Visits to Fields of Battle, in England, of the Fifteenth Centuryto Which Are Added, Some Miscellaneous Tracts and Papers Upon Archæological Subjects
1857

Visits to Fields of Battle, in England, of the Fifteenth Centuryto Which Are Added, Some Miscellaneous Tracts and Papers Upon Archæological Subjects
1857
A historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work details a series of significant battles that occurred in England during the fifteenth century, a tumultuous period marked by civil strife, particularly the Wars of the Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster. The book combines historical anecdotes with archaeological observations, as the author recounts his visits to various battlefields and examines their historical contexts and consequences. The opening of the book presents a preface in which Brooke sets the scene for the violent conflicts that characterized England during the fifteenth century, particularly focusing on the Wars of the Roses. He discusses notable battles, the political motivations behind the conflicts, and the tragic loss of life that resulted from these power struggles. In the beginning chapters, he specifically describes his visits to the battlefield of Shrewsbury, providing detailed historical accounts of the battle, its key players, and the aftermath. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these historic events to gain insight into England’s rich and turbulent past, while also noting the way these battles shaped the modern landscape of the country.
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The author and antiquarian who visits and documents the battlefields of 15th century England. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (F.S.A.) with a deep interest in historical accuracy and archaeological investigation.
King of England who defeated the Percy rebellion at Shrewsbury in 1403. He erected Battlefield Church to commemorate his victory and established a college there.
Son of the Earl of Northumberland who led the rebellion against Henry IV. Known for his courage and military prowess, he was killed at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.
Powerful nobleman who played a crucial role in the Wars of the Roses. Initially supported the Yorkists and helped Edward IV gain the throne, earning the nickname 'The Kingmaker.'
About Visits to Fields of Battle, in England, of the Fifteenth Centuryto Which Are Added, Some Miscellaneous Tracts and Papers Upon Archæological Subjects
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Brooke describes his visits to the battlefield where Henry IV defeated Henry Percy (Hotspur) in 1403. He examines Battlefield Church, erected by Henry IV to commemorate the victory, and discusses the strategic importance of the battle in establishing Lancastrian rule.
- 2
- The 1459 battle where Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury, defeated James Touchet, Lord Audley, through military stratagem. Brooke examines the battlefield and the monument marking where Lord Audley fell, discussing the tactical significance of the stream crossing.
- 3
- The 1460 Yorkist victory that captured Henry VI and gave them control of the government. Brooke describes how the Lancastrians' poor positioning with the river at their backs led to disaster when they were defeated.
Key Themes
- Historical Memory and Preservation
- Brooke emphasizes the importance of preserving historical sites and accurately documenting past events. He laments the destruction of historical monuments and advocates for careful archaeological investigation to maintain historical truth.
- The Brutality of Civil War
- The text repeatedly highlights the devastating human cost of internal conflict, showing how civil war tears apart families, communities, and the social fabric. Brothers fight brothers, and entire noble families are wiped out across generations.
- Divine Providence and Fate
- Medieval belief in divine intervention is evident throughout, from Henry IV's gratitude to St. Mary Magdalen for victory to the interpretation of natural phenomena like the three suns at Mortimer's Cross as omens.
Characters
- Richard Brooke(protagonist)
- The author and antiquarian who visits and documents the battlefields of 15th century England. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (F.S.A.) with a deep interest in historical accuracy and archaeological investigation.
- Henry IV(major)
- King of England who defeated the Percy rebellion at Shrewsbury in 1403. He erected Battlefield Church to commemorate his victory and established a college there.
- Henry Percy (Hotspur)(major)
- Son of the Earl of Northumberland who led the rebellion against Henry IV. Known for his courage and military prowess, he was killed at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick (The Kingmaker)(major)
- Powerful nobleman who played a crucial role in the Wars of the Roses. Initially supported the Yorkists and helped Edward IV gain the throne, earning the nickname 'The Kingmaker.'
- Edward IV(major)
- Yorkist claimant who became King of England after victories at Mortimer's Cross and Towton. Son of Richard Duke of York, he was young, charismatic, and militarily successful.
- Queen Margaret(major)
- Queen consort of Henry VI and fierce defender of the Lancastrian cause. She led armies against the Yorkists and was known for her determination and sometimes ruthless tactics.
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Brooke, Richard. Visits to Fields of Battle, in England, of the Fifteenth Centuryto Which Are Added, Some Miscellaneous Tracts and Papers Upon Archæological Subjects. Lex, lex-books.com/book/visits-to-fields-of-battle-in-england-of-the-fifteenth-centuryto-which-are-added-72041784-b229-442e-898e-79d1c85107f8.Brooke, R. (1857). Visits to Fields of Battle, in England, of the Fifteenth Centuryto Which Are Added, Some Miscellaneous Tracts and Papers Upon Archæological Subjects. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/visits-to-fields-of-battle-in-england-of-the-fifteenth-centuryto-which-are-added-72041784-b229-442e-898e-79d1c85107f8Brooke, Richard. Visits to Fields of Battle, in England, of the Fifteenth Centuryto Which Are Added, Some Miscellaneous Tracts and Papers Upon Archæological Subjects. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/visits-to-fields-of-battle-in-england-of-the-fifteenth-centuryto-which-are-added-72041784-b229-442e-898e-79d1c85107f8.













