Armouries marks key Roses battle

THE bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil is being commemorated at a Leeds museum.

The free event at the Royal Armouries on Saturday March 26 and Sunday 27 marks the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Towton, fought on Palm Sunday in 1461, near the Yorkshire village of the same name.

An estimated 50,000 soldiers from the Houses of Lancaster and York fought in the midst of a snowstorm.

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Museum visitors will be able to examine artefacts from the battlefield, enjoy living history demonstrations and participate in talks and handling sessions conducted by the Towton Battlefield Society.

Other highlights include themed dramatic performances by costumed actors and children’s craft activities in the Jester’s Yard.

The Armouries is also running a commemorative event on April 9 with a History in Your Hands Seminar, giving visitors the chance to handle pieces from the collections.

Royal Armouries’ creative director Peter Armstrong said: “The Battle of Towton has particular significance for us, as our headquarters are based in Yorkshire.

“This event promises to make history come alive.”

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