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Battle Of FerrybridgeThe Battle of Ferrybridge, 28 March 1461, was a small engagement between the houses of York and Lancaster before the larger battle of Towton, during the period know as the Wars of the Roses. After proclaiming himself king, Edward IV gathered together a large force and marched north towards the Lancastrian position behind the Aire River. On 27 March the Earl of Warwick(leading the vanguard) forced a crossing at Ferrybridge, bridging the gaps (the Lancastrians having previously destroyed it) with planks. In the process he lost many men, both to the freezing winter water and to the frequent hail of arrows coming from a small but determined Lancastrian force on the other side. Once the crossing managed and the Lancastrians seen off, Warwick had his men repair the bridge while camp was established on the north side of the river. Early next morning the Yorkists were ambushed by a large party of Lancastrians under Sir John Clifford and Sir John Neville (Warwickss great-uncle). Completely surprised and confused Warwicks forces suffered many losses. Warwicks second-in-command at camp, Lord Fitzwater was mortally wounded while trying to rally his men (he died a week later)The Bastard of Salisbury, Warwick's brother was slain and in the process of retreating the Earl of Warwick himself was injured, struck by an arrow in the leg. Jean de Waurin states that nearly 3000 men perished in the fighting. After the battle Edward arrived with his main army and together Warwick and Edward returned to the bridge to find it in ruins. Warwick sent his uncle, Lord Fauconberg with the Yorkist cavalry upsteam towhere they crossed a ford and pursued Lord Clifford. Fauconberg tore after Lord Clifford, in sight of the main Lancastrian army and killed him after a fierce struggle. Ferrybridge
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