Meetings Are Held

in the

 United Reform Church

(Opposite The Police Station)

15

The Cotswolds in the Wars of the Roses

5/21/2002

Tim Porte

Tim Porter entertained us with very entertaining and informative illustrated talk about events in the Cotswolds during the second half of the 15th Century.

He began by explaining that the title "Wars of the Roses" was perhaps a misnomer because for most of the period the conflicts were not specific to Lancaster v York but more court factions.

The problems, he said, rose from the fact that HenryV became too identified by one faction and the excluded groups becoming alienated to the point of insurrection. At the same time law and order had broken down and violence seemed to be the answer to many local disputes.

There was a paradox about the period with violence and civil war seemingly going hand in hand with economic prosperity. To illustrate the later he pointed to the number of country and town homes that were built in the period. Also the extensions and improvements to many parish churches.

Both aspects were to the fore in the Cotswolds ;Cirencester chapel built by two supporters of the Duke of York; Berkeley resorting to violence over legal argument around 1470.

The nature of the countryside helped to foster both the increased wealth and the drawing of conflict into the area. The area had become a hub of roads going back to Roman times making commerce easier and providing natural convergence for rival armies.

The final battle between the Yorkist King Edward and the lancastrians under Margaret was at Tewksbury. Edward had moved east along the Thames valley towards Cirencester while Margaret moved north to meet an army coming out of Wales. The two opposing armies had sight of each of each other as Margaret tried to reach Gloucester and cross the River Severn. Her plan was thwarted when Edward's Orders to the citizens of the city not to allow her though were obeyed forcing her further north. At Tewksbury the river had no bridge, just ferries, and the time ran out for the "rebels" leaving them at the mercy of the king.

Mr Porter highlighted the slaughter which took place. The battle had been an exceptionally long one and those who fled the field were pursued and killed.