'The Battle of St. Albans' by Graham Turner
On the 22nd May 1455, the struggle for control of the government of England
boiled over into armed conflict in the first battle of what would become known as
the Wars of the Roses. The following thirty years would see the throne itself
become the prize for the rival Royal houses of Lancaster and York.
When King Henry VI regained his sanity in January 1455, the Duke of York`s brief
protectorate came to an end and his chief rival, the Duke of Somerset, regained
his position of influence at court.
York withdrew to the north and began mustering men, supported by his brother in
law, the Earl of Salisbury, and Salisbury`s son, Richard Neville, the Earl of
Warwick, later known as the `Kingmaker`.
Advancing towards London, the Yorkist force found the Royal army positioned in
the small town of St. Albans. When negotiations for the Duke of Somerset's
surrender broke down, York`s men stormed the town`s defences while Warwick broke
into the market place through alleys and gardens, attacking the Lancastrian
centre.
Graham Turner`s painting dramatically recreates the scene as Warwick's men,
wearing their red liveries and badges of the Bear and Ragged Staff, advance
through the medieval market place, while the 'Kingmaker', in the latest Milanese
armour, raises his visor to greet the Duke of York. York, with his Standard
bearer beside him, is indicating in the direction of the Castle Inn, site of
Somerset`s last stand, and the Abbey towers over the proceedings as it still does
today.
Each print is supplied with a 'Who's who', identifying the major participants and
banners shown in the painting.
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The Battle of St. Albans - 22nd May 1455
30" x 24"