introduction battles included · the scottish war of independence the battle of myton - 1319 the...

Local and Family History

Research Guides

Yorkshire Battles

Our Research Guides list some of the most useful, interesting and unique items in Local and Family History at Leeds Central Library. Many other items are listed in our online and card catalogues.

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Introduction

This research guide on Yorkshire Battles will give an overview of every battle,

siege and naval battle that has been fought in Yorkshire from the Battle of

Catraeth in AD 600 up until the Battle of Orgreave during the Miner’s Strike of

1984. This comprehensive guide will then highlight five items from the Leeds

Central Library Catalogue from various departments which details the events

of each battle. This Research Guide will provide an initial guide for customers

and their research into individual or multiple Yorkshire Battles. Stock from

Information and Research will be represented with IAR.

Battles Included:

The Anglo Saxons The Battle of Catraeth - 600 The Battle of Hatfield Chase - 633 The Battle of Whinmoor - 655 The Vikings The Battle of Brunaburgh - 937 The Battle of Castleford - 948 The Battle of Fulford - 1066 The Battle of Stamford Bridge - 1066 The Anarchy The Battle of Standard - 1138 The Scottish War of Independence The Battle of Myton - 1319 The Battle of Boroughbridge - 1322 The Battle of Byland Moor - 1322 The Wars of the Roses The Battle of Bramham Moor - 1406 The Battle of Heworth - 1453 The Battle of Wakefield - 1460 The Battle of Ferrybridge - 1461 The Battle of Towton - 1461

The English Civil War The Siege of Hull - 1642 The Battle of Leeds - 1643 The Battle of Seacroft Moor - 1643 The Capture of Wakefield - 1643 The Battle of Adwalton Moor - 1643 The Second Siege of Hull - 1643 The Battle of Selby - 1644 The Siege of York - 1644 The Battle of Marston Moor - 1644 The Siege of Pontefract Castle -1644- 45 The Siege of Pontefract - 1648-49 The American War of Independence The Battle of Flamborough Head - 1779 The First World War The Battle of Dogger Bank - 1915 The Miners’ Strike The Battle of Orgreave - 1984

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The Battle of Catraeth - 600

The Battle of Catraeth occurred during the Anglo-Saxon invasion of the late Sixth and early Seventh Century. The battle was fought between the Britons, The Gododdin’s, and the Angles in North Yorkshire, possibly at Caterick. The battle was a disaster for the Britons as they were comprehensively defeated by the Angles and over three hundred of their Lords were killed.

1. Cessford, C. Yorkshire And The Goddodin Poem, Yorkshire Archaeologi-cal Society, Vol 68 (Leeds 1995) Classmark: Y 942.81 YOR

2. Hurlstone, J. K. The Gododdin: The Oldest Scottish Poem (Edinburgh, 1909) Classmark: IAR 891.6 JAC

3. Hodgkin, R. H. A History Of The Anglo–Saxons (London, 1952) Classmark: IAR 942.01 HOD

4. Chadwick, N. K. Celt And Saxon, Studies In The Early British Border (Cambidge, 1963) Classmark: IAR 942.01 CEL

5. Clarke, M. T. Warfare In The Age of Penda, The Anglo Saxon Military In The Seventh Century (Leeds, 1987) Classmark: LQ SEA 942

The Battle of Hatfield Chase - 633

The Battle of Hatfield Chase was fought on the Northumbrian border in 633. The forces of Edwin, King of Northumbria, were defeated by those of Cadwal-lon, led by the King of Gwynedd allied with Penda, future king of Mercia. The attack from Cadwallon was the result of the previous invasion by Edwin in Gwynedd. Edwin was defeated and killed and his kingdom of Northumbria was separated into Deira and Bernicia.

1. Gomme, E. E. C. The Anglo–Saxon Chronicle (London, 1909) Classmark: IAR 942.01 ANG

2. Clarke, M. T. Warfare In The Age Of Penda, The Anglo Saxon Military In The Seventh Century (Leeds, 1987) Classmark: LQ SEA 942

3. Bohn, H. G. William Of Malmesbury's Chronicle Of The Kings Of England (London, 1847) Classmark: IAR 942 WIL

4. Snowden, K. Great Battles in Yorkshire, Recounting The Many Battles On Yorkshire Soil From The Romans To The Civil War (Pickering, 1996) Classmark: YP 942.81 SNO

5. Leadman, A. D. H. Battles Fought In Yorkshire: Treated Historically And Topographically (London, 1891) Classmark: Y 355.48 LEA

The Battle of Winwead/ Whinmoor/ Winwaedfield -

655

The Battle of Whinmoor, fought near a stream on the outskirts of Leeds, was a victory for Oswiu, the King of Bernicia against Penda, King of Mercia and the most powerful person of the time. The battle saw Penda slain and Mercia divided leading to the rise of Bernicia and Northumbria.

1. Clarke, M. A Guide To The Battle Of Whinmoor, 655 AD (Leeds, 1981) Classmark: L WHI 942

2. Bantoft, A. The Battle Of Winwaedfield, The Barwicker Vol. 1 (Leeds,1986) Classmark: L BAR 942

3. Prestwich, J. O. King Æthelhere And The Battle Of The Winwaed, The English Historical Review, Vol 83 (Oxford, 1968) Classmark: Periodical 905 HIS

4. Cooke, D. Battlefield Yorkshire, From The Romans To The English Civil Wars (Barnsley, 2006) Classmark: Y 942.81 COO


The Battle of Brunaburgh - 937

One of the most important battles in British history, the Battle of Brunaburgh helped to define the separate kingdoms of England, Scotland and Wales. The battle was fought between Anglo Saxon King’s of Wessex and Mercia, under the leadership of Æthelstan, against the allied Norse, Scots and Strathclyde Briton invaders under the leadership of Olaf Guthfrithson, King of Dublin. Æthelstan’s victory effectively gave him control over the whole of England.

1. Todd, C. S. The Battle Of Brunaburgh: It’s Case, History And Site (Hull, 1875) Classmark: Y 942.01 TOD

2.Holderness, T. The Battle Of Brunanburh: An Attempt To Identify The Site (Driffield, 1888) Classmark: Y KIR 942


4. Wood, M. Searching For Brunanburh: The Yorkshire Context Of The ‘Great War’ Of 937, Yorkshire Archaeological Journal, Vol 85 (Leeds, 2013) Classmark: Y 906 YOR

5. Campbell, A. The Battle Of Brunanburh (London, 1938) Classmark: IAR 829 BAT

The Battle of Castleford - 948

King Eadred, leader of the English, was travelling south from Ripon, after burning Ripon Minster, when his army was attacked by Erik Bloodaxe, King of Northumbria. A great slaughter ensued with most of Eadred’s rearguard being killed. The Northumbrians were so shocked by the actions of Erik Bloodaxe that they attempted to disowned him in order to stop any retaliation from King Eadred.

1. Gomme, E. E. C. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (London, 1909) Classmark: IAR 942.01 ANG

2. Johnson, S. The History Of Castleford (Castleford, 1861) Classmark: Y CAS 942

3. Hall, R. Viking Age York (London, 1994) Classmark: Y YOR 942

4. The Vikings In England And In Their Danish Homeland (Kent, 1981) Classmark: Y YOR 942

5. Chambers, R. W. England Before The Norman Conquest (London, 1928) Classmark: IAR 942.01 CHA

The Battle of Fulford - 1066

The Battle of Fulford was the result of the Invasion of Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, in August 1066. Harald landed in the Tyne and marched to York with the disgraced brother of King Harold of England, Tostig Godwinson. The Saxon army from Mercia and Northumbria, which controlled York, was under the leadership of Earl Edwin and Earl Morcar. Harald’s pincer movement dur-ing the battle proved vital and resulted in the massacre and desertion of the Mercian and Northumbrian troops.

1. Sturlason, S. Heimskringla: Or The Lives Of The Norse Kings (Cambridge, 1932) Classmark: IAR 948 STU

2. Magnusson, M. & H. Palsson, King Harald’s Saga, Harald Hardradi Of Nor-

way (Aylesbury, 1966) Classmark: IAR 942.022 HAR

3. Schofield, G. The Third Battle Of 1066, History Today, Vol. 16 (London, 1967) Classmark: IAR Periodical 905 HIS


5. Seymour, W. Battles In Britain 1066 - 1547 (London, 1975) Classmark: IAR 355.4 SEY

The Battle of Stamford Bridge - 1066

The Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066, was fought between the

English Anglo Saxons and the Norwegian Vikings. The Anglo Saxons were under the leadership of King Harold I. The Norwegian Vikings were under the command of Harald Hardrada and Harold I’s own brother, Tostig Godwinson. Despite courageous fighting on both sides The Battle of Stamford Bridge was an emphatic and bloody victory for Harold as the Viking army and their lead-ers Harald Hardrada and Tostig were killed during the battle.

1. Elliot, R. The Battle Of Stamford Bridge (York, 1810) Classmark: Y 821.7 COL

2. Brooks, F. W. The Battle Of Stamford Bridge (York, 1963) Classmark: Y 905 EAS

3. Sturlason, S. Heimskringla: Or The Lives Of The Norse Kings (Cambridge, 1932) Classmark: IAR 948 STU

4. Magnusson, M. & H. Palsson, King Harald’s Saga, Harald Hardradi Of Nor-way (Aylesbury, 1966) Classmark: IAR 942.022 HAR


The Battle of Standard/ Northallerton - 1138

The Battle of Standard was one of the two major battles of the Anarchy Civil War, 1135-1153, between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. The Scottish King David invaded the north of England in support of his niece Matilda. With Stephen fighting in the south it was left to local English nobles to amass an army to repel the Scots. The English, probably under the leadership of Wil-liam of Aumale, defeated the numerically superior Scots. Despite the defeat the Scots would control the north of England for the next twenty years.

1. Cobb, T. History Of The Norman Kings Of England (London 1869) Classmark: IAR 942.02 COB

2. Anderson, A. O. Scottish Annals From English Chroniclers A.D. 500 To 1286 (London, 1908) Classmark: IAR 941.101 CHR

3. Barrett, C. R. B. Battles And Battlefields In England (London, 1896)Classmark: IAR 355.4 BAR

4.Ritchie, R. & L. Graeme, The Normans In Scotland (Edinburgh, 1954) Classmark: IAR 941.102 RIT

5. Hoveden, R. The Annals Of Roger de Hoveden: Comprising The History Of England A.D.732 To A.D.1180, Vol.1 (London, 1853) Classmark: Y 942 RIL

The Battle of Myton - 1319

During the Scottish War of Independence a force of 15,000 Scots crossed the border with the intention of pillaging York to divert Edward II’s attention from the Siege of Berwick. The Archbishop of York, William Melton raised a large army, but this mostly consisted of inexperienced soldiers. William Melton at-tempted to catch the Scots by surprise, but the battle hardened Scots easily defeated the English and the fleeing English soldiers were killed while cross-ing the River Swale. The victorious Scottish army retreated to Scotland with their prisoners and treasures.

1. Barbour, J. The Bruce: An Epic Poem, Written Around The Year A.D.1375(Glasgow, 1964) Classmark: IAR 821 BAR

2. Maxwell, H. Robert The Bruce And The Struggle For Scottish Independ-ence (London,1897) Classmark: IAR 941.102 BRU

3. Scammel, J. Robert I And The North Of England, English Historical Re-view, Vol. 73 (London, 1958) Classmark: IAR Periodical 905 HIS

4. Cooke, D. Battlefield Yorkshire, From the Romans To The English Civil Wars (Barnsley, 2006) Classmark: Y 942.81 COO

5. Barbour, J. The Bruce: Being The Metrical History Of Robert The Bruce, King Of Scots (London,1907) Classmark: IAR 941.102 BAR

The Battle of Boroughbridge - 1322

The Battle of Boroughbridge was the culmination of the dispute between Ed-ward II and his cousin Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. The Royal commander, Sir Andrew de Harcia, gained control of the narrow bridge which crossed the Riv-er Ure. Lancaster and his rebel army’s only option was to cross the bridge and were decisively defeated. The Royal victory and the execution of Lancas-ter ended the rebellion and Edward II turned his attention back to Scotland.

1. Fryde, N. The Tyranny And Fall Of Edward II, 1321-1326 (Cambridge,1979) Classmark: IAR 942.036 FRY

2. Barrett, C. R. B. Battles And Battlefields In England (London, 1896) Classmark: IAR 355.4 BAR

3. Tout, T. F. The Tactics Of The Battles Of Boroughbridge And Morlaix, The English Historical Review Vol 19 (Oxford, 1904) Classmark: IAR Periodical 905 HIS

4. Maddicott, J. R. Thomas Of Lancaster, 1307-1322: A Study In The Reign Of Edward II (London, 1970) Classmark: IAR 942.036 THO

5. Prestwich, M. Armies And Warfare In The Middle Ages (London, 1996) Classmark: IAR 355 PRE

The Battle of Byland Moor/ Old Byland - 1322

The Battle of Byland Moor/ Old Byland, was fought during the Scottish War of Independence. Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, invaded the North of Eng-land in late 1322 attempting to gain a royal hostage. John of Brittany, Earl of Richmond, led the English army for King Edward II. Richmond had settled upon a strong defensive position on Scawton Moor, however King Robert was able to tactically nullify this strong defensive position leading to the Scots routing the crumbling English army. King Robert captured Richmond as a valuable prisoner, however King Edward II escaped.

1. Maxwell, H. Robert The Bruce And The Struggle For Scottish Independ-ence (London,1897) Classmark: IAR 941.102 BRU

2. Barbour, J. The Bruce: An Epic Poem, Written Around The Year A.D.1375(Glasgow, 1964) Classmark: IAR 821 BAR


4. Scammel, J. Robert I And The North Of England, English Historical Re-view, Vol. 73 (London, 1958) Classmark: IAR Periodical 905 HIS

5. Harper, C. G. Byland Abbey (London, 1930) Classmark: Y QP BYL 942

The Battle of Bramham Moor - 1406

The Battle of Bramham Moor was the final battle of the Percy Rebellion against the usurper King Henry IV. Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, in-vaded the North of England from Scotland with a small army. Percy was met at Bramham Moor by the Sheriff of York and his army of Henry IV supporters. Henry Percy and the majority of his army were killed at Bramham Moor. Per-cy’s defeat allowed Henry IV to concentrate on the Welsh rebellion.


2. Biondi, G. F. An History Of The Civil Warres Of England, Betweene The Two Houses Of Lancaster And Yorke (London, 1641) Classmark: IAR SR 942.062

3. Hingeston, F. C. Royal And Historical Letters During The Reign Of Henry The Fourth, King Of England .Vol 2 A.D.1405-1413 (London,1965) Classmark: IAR Periodical 942 CAL

4. Jacob, E. F. The Fifteenth Century, 1399-1485 (Oxford, 1961) Classmark: IAR 942.04 JAC

5. Griffiths, R. The Fourteenth And Fifteenth Centuries (Oxford, 2003) Classmark: IAR 941.037 GRI

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Frederick_Tout

The Battle of Heworth Moor - 1453

The Battle of Heworth Moor was a skirmish between the Neville and Percy families, whose feud had been simmering since the beginning of the Fifteenth Century. The Neville family was ambushed by Thomas Percy, Lord Egremont while returning from a wedding. The Neville's were able to force their way through the Percy attack and arrive at Sheriff Hutton, their original destina-tion. The Battle of Heworth could be considered the first battle of the Wars of the Roses.

1. Aulnoy, M & C. L. Mothe, The History Of The Earl Of Warwick, Sirnamed The King-Maker (London, 1708) Classmark: IAR SR B WAR

2. Francis, R. Warwick, The King-Maker (London, 1916) Classmark: IAR B WAR

3. Chrimes, S. B & C. D. Ross & R. A. Griffiths, Fifteenth-Century England, 1399-1509 (Manchester,1972) Classmark: IAR 942.04 FIF

4. Jacob, E. F. The Fifteenth Century, 1399-1485 (Oxford, 1961) Classmark: IAR 942.04 JAC

5. Haigh, P. A. The Military Campaigns Of The Wars Of The Roses (Stroud, 1997) Classmark: Y 942.04 HAI

The Battle of Wakefield - 1460

The Battle of Wakefield, 30th December 1460, was fought between the York-

ists and the Lancastrians. The Yorkists under the command of Richard, Duke of York, were stationed within Sandal Castle. The Lancastrians, led by Mar-garet of Anjou and Henry, Duke of Somerset surrounded the castle. Richard, Duke of York - having possibly been tricked - decided to leave the relative safety of Sandal Castle and fight the Lancastrians. The Battle of Wakefield was a significant victory for the Lancastrian leaders as they managed to de-feat the Yorkist’s and kill their leader, Richard, Duke of York.

1. Stanfield, A. W. Sandal Castle And The Battle Of Wakefield, A Paper(Wakefield, 1891) Classmark: YQ WAK 942

2. Haigh, P. A. The Battle Of Wakefield: 30 December 1460 (Stroud,1996) Classmark: Y WAK 942

3. Pronay, N. & Cox, J. The Crowland Chronicle Continuations 1459- 1486 (London, 1986) Classmark: IAR 942.04

4. Haigh, P. A. From Wakefield To Towton, The Wars of the Roses (Barnsley, 2002) Classmark: Y 942.04 HAI


The Battle of Ferrybridge - 1461

The Battle of Ferrybridge was the preliminary stage to the much larger Battle of Towton. The Yorkists, led by Edward IV, wanted to force their way over the River Aire, and at Ferrybridge the Lancastrian army under the leadership of Lord Clifford tried to stop this. Edward, showing his tactical superiority, or-dered part of his army to cross the river at an earlier stage, this allowed Ed-ward’s army to outflank and defeat the Lancastrians allowing them to cross the river. Lord Clifford was killed when trying to retreat the Lancastrian army.

1. Waurin, J. Recueil Des Croniques Et Anchiennes Histories De La Grant Bretaigne (London, 1868) Classmark: IAR Periodical 942 CAL

2. Hall, E. Hall's Chronicle (London, 1809) Classmark: IAR Q SR 942.04 HAL

3. Goodman, A. The Wars of the Roses, The Soldiers Experience, (Stroud, 2006) IAR 942.04 GOO

4. Haigh, P. A. The Military Campaigns of the Wars of the Roses (Stroud, 1997) Classmark: Y 942.04 HAI

5. Haigh, P. A. From Wakefield to Towton The Wars of the Roses (Barnsley, 2002) Classmark: Y 942.04 HAI

The Battle of Towton - 1461

The Battle of Towton is considered to be the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. The Yorkists under the leadership of Edward IV and Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick fought against the Lancastrians under the command of Henry VI and Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset. Around 60,000 soldiers fought at Towton and nearly half of those were killed during or direct-ly after the battle. The windy and snowy weather was of great hindrance for the Lancastrians. The Yorkists were under great strain during the battle until the arrival of their reinforcements led by John, Duke of Norfolk. The Yorkists broke through the Lancastrian army and they fled. The fleeing Lancastrians were routed at Cock Beck near what is now called ‘Bloody Meadow.’

1. Boardman, A. W. The Battle Of Towton (Far Thrupp, 1994) Classmark: Y TOW 942

2. Fiorato, V. Blood Red Roses: The Archaeology Of A Mass Grave From The Battle Of Towton (Oxford, 2001) Classmark: Y Q TOW 942

3. Boardman, A. W. The Battle Of Towton: Palm Sunday 1461 (West Yorkshire, 1993) Classmark: YQP TOW 942

4. Haigh, P. A, The Military Campaigns Of The Wars Of The Roses (Stroud, 1997) Classmark: Y 942.04 HAI

5. Ross, C. Edward IV (London, 1974) Classmark: IAR 942.044 EDW

The Siege of Hull - 1642

Charles I, who had recently moved to York from London, wanted to secure Hull as it was a great trading port and munition base. Parliament, knowing of Charles’ plan had already fortified Hull under the leadership of Sir John Hotham. Charles’ siege of Hull began in early July. The parliamentarian de-fenders of Hull were reinforced by Sir John Meldrum and 1500 men, this was enough to surprise and rout the Royalist army on 10th July as the King re-treated. This was the first act of violence of the English Civil War.

1. Reckitt, B. N. Charles The First And Hull 1639-1645 (Hull,1952) Classmark: Y 942 HUL

2. Lamplough, E. The Siege Of Hull: And Other Poems (Hull, 1881) Classmark: Y 821.8 LAM

3. His Majesties Speech; To The Gentleman Of Yorkshire, On Thursday Fourth Of August 1642 (York, 1642) Classmark: IAR SR STC WING C2803

4. Tracts Relating To The Siege Of Hull In 1642, With The King’s Proclama-tion, And A Scarce Portrait Of John Hotham (Hull, 1867) Classmark: Y 942 HUL

5. Terrible Newes From Hull: Concerning A Great Conspiracy Which Was Intended Against Sir John Hotham And The Rest Of The Said Town, By Cavaleers (London, 1642) Classmark: IAR SR STC WING T769

The Battle of Leeds - 1643

The Battle of Leeds was fought on the 23rd January 1643 between the Roy-alists, who held Leeds under the leadership of Sir William Saville, and the Parliamentarians, under the leadership of Sir Thomas Fairfax. Fairfax split his army into three to attack the Royalists within Leeds on multiple fronts. Though the Royalists and Saville fought fiercely they were overwhelmed and defeated. Fairfax had now captured Leeds with four hundred prisoners.

1. Fairfax, T. The Old History Of Bradford 1776: With Lord Fairfax’s Memoirs From The Battle Of Leeds (Bradford, 1894) Classmark: Y 942.062/FAI

2. A True And Plenary Relation Of The Great Defeat Given By My Lord Fair-fax Forces Unto My Lord Newcastle's Forces In Yorkshire, January 23 (London, 1642) Classmark: IAR SR STC Wing C7031

3. Cooke, D. Battlefield Britain, The Civil War In Yorkshire, Fairfax Versus Newcastle (Barnsley, 2011) Classmark: Y 942.062 COO

4. Burt, S. & K. Grady, The Illustrated History Of Leeds (Derby, 2002) Classmark: LQ 942.819 BUR

5. Snowden, K. The English Civil War In Yorkshire (Pickering, 1993) Classmark: YP 942.81 SNO

The Battle of Seacroft Moor - 1643

By the end of March 1643 Sir Thomas Fairfax decided to consolidate his terri-tory in Leeds by moving his forces from Selby. While moving his army Fairfax and his Parliamentarian army was attacked by Lord George Goring and a much larger Royalist force. Being greatly outnumbered and overrun by the Royalist cavalry the Parliamentarians were defeated and Fairfax made his way to Leeds with a fraction of his army.

1. Smith, H. The Battle Of Seacroft Moor, The Barwicker Vol. 85 (Leeds, 2007) Classmark: L BAR 942


3. Wilson, J. Fairfax: A Life of Thomas, Lord Fairfax, Captain General Of All The Parliament’s Forces (London, 1985) Classmark: Y B FAI

4. Drake, J. A Description Of The Memorable Sieges And Battles In The North Of England, That Happened During The Civil War In 1642, 1643 (London,1785) Classmark: IAR SR 942 DES

5. Burt, S. & K. Grady, The Illustrated History Of Leeds (Derby, 2002) Classmark: LQ 942.819 BUR

The Capture of Wakefield - 1643

On the 30th May 1643 Thomas Fairfax, wanting to limit the effects of the Par-liamentarian defeat at Seacroft Moor, led a raid on Wakefield. The Royalists led by Lord George Goring were alerted to the raid and by the time Fairfax arrived at Wakefield the garrisons were manned and prepared. Fairfax still decided to attack and after a Royalist garrison crumbled Fairfax led a charge into Wakefield and defeated the Royalist army. Around 1500 Royalists were captured including Lord George Goring, who was taken to the Tower.

1. Cooke, D. Battlefield Britain, The Civil War in Yorkshire, Fairfax Versus Newcastle (Barnsley, 2011) Classmark: Y 942.062 COO

2. Tyas, G. The Battles Of Wakefield. An Historical Narrative Of The Battle Of Wakefield, In 1460: Also An Account Of The Engagement On Wakefield Green, In 1643 (Wakefield, 1854) Classmark: Y WAK 942

3. A Miraculous Victory Obtained By The Right Honorable, Ferdinando, Lord Fairfax, Against The Army Under The Command Of The Earl Of Newcastle At Wakefield In Yorkshire (London, 1643) Classmark: SR STC WING M2218

4. Crowther, G. H. A Descriptive History Of The Wakefield Battles (Wakefield, 1886) Classmark: Y WAK 942

5. Fairfax, T. The Old History Of Bradford 1776 (Bradford, 1894) Classmark: Y 942.062 FAI

The Battle of Adwalton Moor - 1643

The Battle of Adwalton Moor was fought on the 30th June 1643. The battle was fought between the Parliamentarians led by Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Royalists under the leadership of the Earl of Newcastle, William Cavendish. The Royalists, with an army of around 10,000, marched on Bradford. Fairfax knowing that Bradford could not survive a siege decided to meet Cavendish in battle, even though he only had around 4000 men. When Fairfax reached Adwalton Moor the Royalists were already in position. The battle was fierce but the greater Parliamentarian number proved decisive as Fairfax was de-feated. The importance of Adwalton Moor cannot be underestimated.

1. Johnson, D. Adwalton Moor 1643: The Battle That Changed A War (Pickering, 2003) Classmark: L ADW 942

2. Cooke, D. The Forgotten Battle: The Battle Of Adwalton Moor, 30th June 1643 (Heckmondwike, 1996) Classmark: LQP ADW 942

3. English Heritage, Proposed Battlefields Register, Adwalton Moor, 1643 (London, 1994) Classmark: LQP ADW 942

4. Trease, G. Portrait Of A Cavalier: William Cavendish, First Duke Of New-castle (London, 1979) Classmark: IAR B NEW

5. Gardiner, S. R. History Of The Great Civil War: 1642-1649, Vol I: 1642-1644 (London, 1886) Classmark: IAR 942.062 GAR

The Second Siege of Hull - 1643 The Royalists under the leadership of William Cavendish, the Earl of New-castle, wanted to consolidate after their victory at Adwalton Moor and at-tempted to capture Hull. The Parliamentarian army, under the leadership of Lord Ferdinando Fairfax and Sir Thomas Fairfax, was besieged by Newcastle from September 2nd until 12th October. The Royalist attacks were ineffective and the Fairfaxes were aided by Oliver Cromwell from the Humber. On Octo-ber 9th the Royalists attempted to storm the city and were repelled by the Parliamentarians. Newcastle ended the siege and retreated back to York.

1. Lamplough, E. The Siege Of Hull: And Other Poems (Hull, 1881) Classmark: Y 821.8 LAM


3. Wilson, J. Fairfax: A Life Of Thomas, Lord Fairfax, Captain General Of All The Parliament’s Forces (London, 1985) Classmark: Y B FAI

4. Buchan, J. Oliver Cromwell (London,1934) Classmark: IAR 942.062 CRO

5. Gillett, E & K. A. MacMahon, A History Of Hull (Hull, 1989) Classmark: Y HUL 942

The Battle of Selby - 1644 The Parliamentarians, under the leadership of Lord Fairfax and Sir Thomas Fairfax, wanted to seize control of the important Royalist trading town Selby. The Royalists, under the leadership of John Belasyse, fortified the town and waited for the attack. Fairfax decided the risky strategy of splitting his army into three and attacking on multiple fronts. Once through the outer perimeter the Parliamentarian's greater number overwhelmed the Royalist army.

1. A Letter Sent From The Right Honorable, The Lord Fairfax, Concerning The Great Victory At Selby In Yorkshire: With A List Of Prisoners (London, 1644) Classmark: IAR SR STC WING F187

2. A Letter Sent From the Right Honorable, Lord Fairfax, To The Committee Of Both Kingdoms Concerning The Great Victory, Lately Obtained By Gods Blessing At Selby In Yorkshire (London, 1644) Classmark: IAR SR STC WING R9225

3. Peck, E. The History Of Selby: Ancient And Modern (York, 1800) Classmark: LFH SR 942.845 MOU


5. Kennedy, D. E. The English Revolution, 1642-1649 (Basingstoke, 2000) Classmark: IAR 942.062

The Siege of York - 1644 The Siege of York lasted from the 22nd April to the 16th July, 1644. The Par-liamentarians, buoyed by their victory at Selby wanted to advance on the Royalist stronghold of York. The Parliamentarians, under the leadership of Lord Fairfax encircled York. William Cavendish, Marquess of Newcastle, was in control of the Royalists stationed within the city. The Royalist defeat at the Battle of Marston Moor effectively ended the Royalist resistance at York and the Royalist leader Cavendish went into exile on the continent.

1. Marshall, B. The Siege Of York: A Story Of The Days Of Thomas Lord Fairfax (London, 1902) Classmark: Y 823 MAR

2. Wenham, L. P. The Great And Close Siege of York, 1644 (York, 1970) Classmark: Y YOR 942

3. A Continuation Of True Intelligence From The North, Wherein Is Given A Full Accompt Of The Surrender Of York And Of The Removes Of The Armies Since (London, 1644) Classmark: IAR SR STC WING A

4. Cooke, D. The Civil War In Yorkshire, Fairfax Versus Newcastle (Barnsley, 2011) Classmark: Y 942.062 COO

5. Trease, G. Portrait Of A Cavalier: William Cavendish (London, 1979) Classmark: IAR B NEW

The Battle of Marston Moor - 1644 The Battle of Marston Moor was fought on the 2nd July 1644, and is one of the largest battles ever fought in England. Prince Rupert with his Royalist army approached Marston Moor after temporarily relieving the Siege of York. The Parliamentarian army, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell, launched a surprise attack at 7 PM and completely disorientated the Royalists. After two hours of frantic fighting the well organized Parliamentarian’s were victori-ous. Marston Moor represented the success of Cromwell’s New Model Army.

1. Charrier, P.A. Cromwell: The Campaigns Of Edge Hill, Marston Moor, Naseby, And Of 1648 (London, 1906) Classmark: IAR Q 942.062 CHA

2. Young, P. Marston Moor, 1644: The Campaign And The Battle (Kineton, 1970) Classmark: Y MAR 355

3. Newman, P. The Battle Of Marston Moor, 1644 (Chichester, 1981) Classmark: Y MAR 355

4. A Full Relation Of The Late Victory Obtained By Forces Under The Com-mand Of General Lesley, Lord Fairfax And The Earl Of Manchester Against His Majesties Forces Under The Command Of Prince Rupert And The Earl Of Newcastle At Marstam Moor (London, 1644) Classmark: IAR SR STC WING S5533

5. Newman, P. R. Marston Moor 1644: The Battle Of The Five Armies (Pickering, 2003) Classmark: IAR 942.066 NEW

The Siege of Pontefract Castle - 1644 –1645 Pontefract Castle was a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. It came un-der siege by the Parliamentarians in December 1644. Despite being bom-barded by artillery the Castle held. The siege was lifted by the arrival of Sir Marmaduke Langdale in March 1645. By July the Castle was back under siege and the starved Royalists were forced to surrender to the Parliamentar-ian army.

1. Fox, G. The Three Sieges Of Pontefract Castle (Burton, 1987) Classmark: YQ PON 942

2. Holmes, R. The Sieges Of Pontefract Castle, 1644-1648 (Leeds, 1985) Classmark: Y PON 942

3. Fox, G. The History Of Pontefract, In Yorkshire (Pontefract, 1827) Classmark: SR 942.81 FOX

4. A Journal Of The First And Second Sieges Of Pontefract Castle, 1644-1645 :With An Appendix Of Evidences Relating To The Third Siege (Durham) Classmark: YQ PON 942

5. Cooke, D. The Civil War In Yorkshire (Barnsley, 2011) Classmark: Y 942.062 COO

The Great Siege of Scarborough - 1645

Sir Hugh Chomley had held the Castle of Scarborough for the Royalists since 1642. The Parliamentarians, under the leadership of Sir John Meldrum, sur-rounded and laid siege to Scarborough in May 1645. After a failed parliamen-tarian infantry assault on the Castle the new commander, Sir Matthew Boynton decided to attack Scarborough by both land and sea. By July the Royalist resistance ended and Chomley was allowed to go into exile.

1. Baker, J. B. The History Of Scarborough: From The Earliest Date (London, 1882) Classmark: Y SCA 942

2. Sitwell, F. Mistress Patience Summerhayes, Her Diary: During The Siege Of Scarborough (London, 1890) Classmark: Y SCA 823


4. Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Entring Bridgewater By Storming, On Munday Last Also The Terms Tendred By Sir Hugh Cholmley, For The Surrender Of Scar-borough Castle (London, 1645) Classmark: SR STC WING S389

5. Binns, J. ‘A Place Of Great Importance' Scarborough In The Civil Wars, 1640-1660 (Preston, 1996) Y SCA 942

The Second Siege of Pontefract - 1648-9

When the Second English Civil War began in 1648, the Castle of Pontefract was regained by the Royalists. The Parliamentarians began a siege of Ponte-fract, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell. After five months of bombard-ment, on 24th March 1649 the starving Royalists surrendered. Parliament ordered the shattered remains of Pontefract Castle to be torn down.

1. Fox, G. The Three Sieges Of Pontefract Castle (Burton, 1987) Classmark: YQ PON 942

2. Holmes, R. The Sieges Of Pontefract Castle, 1644-1648 (Leeds, 1985) Classmark: Y PON 942

3. Fox, G. The History Of Pontefract, In Yorkshire (Pontefract, 1827) Classmark: SR 942.81 FOX

4. A Journal Of The First And Second Sieges Of Pontefract Castle, 1644-1645 :With An Appendix Of Evidences Relating To The Third Siege (Durham) Classmark: YQ PON 942

5. Cooke, D. The Civil War In Yorkshire, Fairfax Versus Newcastle (Barnsley, 2011) Classmark: Y 942.062 COO

The Battle of Flamborough Head - 1779

The Battle of Flamborough Head was a naval battle off the coast of Scar-borough during the American War of Independence. The new American Navy was helped by Spanish and French ships in an attempt to attack a British supply convoy coming from the Baltic States. On the 23rd September John Paul Jones, in the Bonhomme Richard, led an American French squadron that attacked and captured the HMS Countess Scarborough, then Jones led an attack on the HMS Serapis. After three hours of fighting the HMS Serapis was defeated and sunk, however the next day the Bonhomme Richard also sank. This was the first major victory for the new American navy.

1. Brearley, F. A History Of Flamborough (Driffield, 1971) Classmark: Y FLA 942

2. British Library, The American War of Independence, 1775-83 (London, 1975) Classmark: IAR 016.973 BRI

3. Alden, J. R. The American Revolution (London, 1954) Classmark: IAR 973.3 ALD

4. Wood, W. Famous British War-Ships And Their Commanders (London,1897) Classmark: IAR SR GC 359 WOO

5. Walsh, J. E. Night On Fire: The First Complete Account Of John Paul Jones's Greatest Battle (London,1978) Classmark: Y FLA 942

The Action Between His Majesties Ship Serapis, Commanded by Capt Pearson & The Bonhomme Richard Commanded by Paul Jones, by William Elliott (1779)

The Battle of Dogger Bank - 1915

The Battle of Dogger Bank was fought on the 24th January 1915. At the be-ginning of the First World War the British and German Navy’s clashed trying to gain control of the North Sea. The British Admiral Beatty was forewarned of the German attack led by Admiral Hipper. The British had five warships and the Germans only had three, knowing he was outnumbered Hipper de-cided to retreat. The British chased the German’s and sunk one of their cruis-ers. However, due to a miscommunication the British ended the chase to fin-ish off the weakened German cruiser rather than continuing the attack.

1. Roskill, S. Admiral of the Fleet Earl Beatty: the last naval hero (London, 1980) Classmark: IAR B BEA

2. Chalmers, W. S. The Life And Letters Of David, Earl Beatty, Admiral Of The Fleet (London, 1951) Classmark: IAR B BEA

3. Taylor, J. C. German Warships Of World War I (Shepperton,1969) Classmark: IAR 623.825 TAY

4. Taylor, A. J. P. The First World War: An Illustrated History (London, 1963) Classmark: IAR 940.3 TAY

5. Bassett, R . Battle-Cruisers: A History, 1908- 48 (London, 1981) Classmark: IAR 359.83 BAS

The Battle of Orgreave - 1984

The Battle of Orgreave was the most violent day of the year long Miners’ Strike. The striking miners were protesting outside the Orgreave Coke works attempting to stop lorries from leaving the steelworks. Thousands of pickets met huge lines of police as the violence escalated. The police used horses and the miners threw stones as the day wore on. Many miners were arrested and later released. The Police conduct is still being questioned.

1. Jackson, B. The Battle For Orgreave (Brighton,1986) Classmark: Y ORG 942

2. Wakefield, A. The Miners' Strike Day By Day: The Illustrated History 1984/5 (Barnsley, 2002) Classmark: Y B WAK

3. Routledge, P. Scargill: The Unauthorized Biography (London, 1993) Classmark: Y B SCA

4. Yorkshire Evening Post, Miners’ Against Police, Article, 19th June 1984

5. Winterton, J. Coal, Crisis And Conflict: The 1984-85 Miners' Strike In York-shire (Manchester, 1989) Classmark: Y 331.892822 WIN

A selection of general Yorkshire Battles material

available:

The items listed below are only a selection of general Yorkshire Battles items in our collections. The full collection is catalogued in the card catalogue in the Local and Family History Library and on the main Leeds Library’s online cata-logue: http://capitadiscovery.co.uk/leeds

1. Snowden, K. Great Battles In Yorkshire, Recounting The Many Battles On Yorkshire Soil From The Romans To The Civil War (Pickering, 1996) Classmark: YP 942.81 SNO


3. Haigh, P. A. The Military Campaigns Of The Wars of the Roses (Stroud, 1997) Classmark: Y 942.04 HAI


5. Broadhead, I. E. Yorkshire Battles: A Detailed Guide To Twenty historical Sites (Hale, 1989) Classmark: Y 355.48 BRO

6.Grainge, W. The Battles and Battlefields Of Yorkshire, From The Earliest Times To The End Of The Great Civil War (York, 1854) Classmark: Y 355.48 GRA


8. Lamplough, E. Yorkshire Battles (London, 1891) Classmark: Y355.48 LAM

9. Hebden, W. Yorkshire Battles (Clapham, 1978) Classmark: Y 355.48 HEB

10. Seymour, W. Battles In Britain 1066 - 1547 (London, 1975) Classmark: IAR 355,4 SEY

11. Barrett, C. R. B Battles And Battlefields In England (London, 1896) Classmark: IAR 355.4 BAR

12. Wagstaffe, S. Battlefields Of Yorkshire (London) Classmark: SRF 942.74 W175

13. The Wing Collection, English Civil War Tracts 1640– 1650 Classmark: IAR SR STC WING

14. Strickland, M. The Great Warbow: From Hastings To The Mary Rose (Haynes, 2011) Classmark: CL 355.8

Contact us: Local and Family History Leeds Central Library Calverley Street Leeds LS1 3AB (0113) 378 6982

email: [email protected]

To access any of the special items at the Leeds Central Library we would generally require at least 24 hours notice to make an appointment, one form of identification and also proof of address , i.e. a bill, bank statement or an official letter.

For more information call (0113) 378 6982

or visit www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries

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Monday – Wednesday 9:00am - 7:00pm

Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm

The Battle of Stamford Bridge, 1066 by Hutchinson 1920

Front Page Picture The Battle of Towton by Graham Turner

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