The Wars of the Roses

Dilip Sarkar has been fascinated by the Wars of the Roses since collecting Britain’s Ltd ‘Swappit’ knights in the 1960s! A long-time member of the Battle of Tewkesbury Society, he is currently researching a new book on that 1471 battle, and writing a Wars of the Roses related novel. To ensure that his understanding of the period and the experience of combat was as accurate as possible, Dilip began re-enacting the 15th century several years ago. Having started as a humble billman, he is now a man-at-arms in full Milanese plate armour, as is his son, James. Dilip’s wife, Karen, is also re-enacting now, and was on the field at Tewkesbury in July 2010 as an essential water carrier. Karen, a professional artist, is currently working on a large-scale canvas of the Battle of Tewkesbury, which will be produced as a print in due course.

Dilip also provides talks on Wars of the Roses related topics, such as arming a knight, arms and armour and the experience of medieval combat.

The inspirational Abbey at Tewkesbury. It was here, after the battle in 1471, that Yorkist troops massacred Lancastrians who had claimed sanctuary there, leading to a stand-off between the Abbot and King Edward IV. Threatened with excommunication the Yorkists withdrew – but executed their defeated foes in public the following day. So much blood was spilt inside this house of God that it had to be reconsecrated.

The sacristy door’s interior within the Abbey is, according to local legend, reinforced with plates cut from armour left behind after the battle. This is extremely unlikely, however. The metal concerned appears to be of poor quality and armour was expensive – meaning that any scavenged after a battle could be sold on. To re-fashion pieces of armour in this way makes no sense, although some argue that these pieces are inserts from a brigandine or ‘coat of plates’.

The memorial plaque in Tewkesbury Abbey commemorating the burial of Edward, Prince of Lancaster, slain after the battle – probably in the rout. Legend claims that the Lancastrian Prince was captured by Richard Croft who delivered his captive to the Royal Yorkist brothers Edward, Richard and Clarence, who subsequently killed him. Croft was knighted after Tewkesbury, having already fought for Edward at Mortimer’s Cross and Towton, so there could be some truth in this tale.

The Battle of Tewkesbury about to be re-fought, July 2010. Dilip, Karen and James Sarkar with ‘King Edward IV’ and the ‘Duke of Gloucester’. At roght is Paul Ward, Captain of the Guard at Ludlow Castle.

Hot and tired after the battle – but still alive and in one piece! The Tewkesbury Medieval Festival attracted 2,800 re-enactors in 2010, and a crowd of 15,000 on the Saturday alone – admission is free!

Dilip and James Sarkar providing a practical demonstration and talk on 15th century warfare at an event organised by Jason O’Keefe on Castle Green, Hereford, in July 2010.

Dilip (right) fighting with pole-axe at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross in September 2010.
(Photograph Courtesy of Pat Patrick)

Dilip, centre, and the bodyguard of Edward, Earl of March, confer during a lull in the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross! This will hopefully become an annual event to replace the recently closed Blore Heath re-enactment – for further information please see the Links page.
(Photograph Courtesy of Pat Patrick)