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.