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10 Great English Battle Sites

England is a country that has a rich history. Its also one of the most visited places in the world. Throughout history,
armies from the country have often got involved in military conflicts worldwide.
But, did you know that many of them were fought on its home soil? Here are some of the top ten battle sites to visit
while exploring England:

Top English Battle Sites

1. Maldon, Essex (Battle of Maldon)

By Ken Eckert
A marauding army of Vikings sailed up the River Blackwater in the year 991. After a fierce battle against the Saxons,
the invaders won but had few men left due to heavy casualties. A statue of Byrhtnoth, leader of the Anglo-Saxons in
Maldon, exists in the town as a tribute to the battle.

2. Battle, East Sussex (Battle of Hastings)

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By Unknown, suspected to be commissioned by Matilda of Flanders, Odo of Bayeux or Edith of Wessex Bayeux
Tapestry
Back in 1066, King Harolds army fought against William, Duke of Normandy. This proved a decisive Norman victory
and would ultimately shape England and Europes future. Its estimated around 20,000 troops from both sides fought
in the conflict.

3. Myton, North Yorkshire (The Battle of Myton Bridge)

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In 1319, during the Scottish Wars of Independence, 15,000 Scots crossed into England. Their goal was to pillage
Yorkshire. An army got organised by the Archbishop of York to defend the county. But, there sadly wasnt enough
manpower, and they got defeated by the Scots.

4. Nevilles Cross, Northumberland (The Battle of Nevilles Cross)

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Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=263098

Some 12,000 Scots rampaged their way through northern England back in 1346. To stop them, an army of 7,000
Englishmen got enlisted by William Zouche, the Archbishop of York. One cold October morning, the English
launched a surprise attack on the Scots. The ensuing battle eventually forced them back to Scotland.

5. Shrewsbury, Shropshire (The Battle of Shrewsbury)

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By Thomas Pennant This image is available from the National Library of Wales,
Perhaps one of the most bloodiest of battles in English history was the one at Shrewsbury in 1403. The site was the
scene of a fight between King Henry IV and rebels led by Sir Henry Hotspur Percy. The latter got defeated, and his
body quartered. The King then had Percys body parts put on display in various areas of England!

6. St Albans, Hertfordshire (The First Battle of St Albans)

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By Ipankonin Combined and , CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3136528

The War of the Roses were a series of dynastic wars for the throne of England. In 1455, the narrow streets of St
Albans became the scene of a fierce battle. It was a fight between Lancastrians and Yorkists, with the latter
becoming the victors.

7. Branxton, Northumberland (The Battle of Flodden)

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By Andrew Curtis, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11731831

1513 saw the largest battle between the English and Scots occur just outside Branxton. The village was the scene
of fierce fighting involving 26,000 English and 40,000 Scots. The reason for the battle was due to retaliation of King
Henry VIII invading France. Henrys men were victorious in the battle. It also resulted in the death of King James IV
from Scotland.

8. Edge Hill, Warwickshire (Battle of Edge Hill)

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By Charles Landseer (1799 1879) (British), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?

curid=21878858
The hamlet of Edge Hill was the scene of the first battle of the English Civil War in October 1642. Royalists and the
parliamentarian army fought in a heavy three-hour battle. This resulted in huge casualties for both sides. The site
was also allegedly home to phantom re-enactments of the battle!

9. Worcester, Worcestershire (The Battle of Worcester)

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By User:Bollothepriest Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16971153

17 years later the final battle of the English Civil War took place in the city of Worcester. Oliver Cromwells army
became victorious, and King Charles II fled to France.

10. Westonzoyland, Somerset (Battle of Sedgemoor)

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By Jan Wyck National Portrait Gallery: NPG

The Monmouth Rebellion was an attempt to overthrow James II. He had become king of England, Scotland, and
Ireland when his brother Charles II had died. Westonzoyland was the rebellions final battle. The Royalists had won
the battle, and the Duke of Monmouth captured and executed.

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