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Shrewsbury


Battle Name : Shrewsbury

Date(s) : 21 July 1403

Part of : Bolingbroke v Percy's ,

Outcome : A victory for The Royal Army over The Percys

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Prince Henry[later Henry V] held Shrewsbury. The Percy family allied with Owain Glyndwr and rose in rebellion. While Glyndwr was still in Wales and the Earl of Northumberland [Hotspur's father] was still with his army in the north Hotspur approached Shrewsbury. King Henry lV made a forced march with the royal army and reached Shrewsbury before Hotspur. The King forced a battle. This was the first time English longbow men had been on opposing sides in a major battle. The King's division was pushed back but Prince Henry was able to take the enemy in the flank and rear. Hotspur was killed and the flight turned into a rout the pursuit carrying on for three miles. Losses were considerable on both sides.