A history of the early medieval German Armies from the fragmentation of Charlemagne's Frankish Empire to the rise of the German, or Holy Roman Empire. This text looks in detail at the period of the Saxon wars and the Crusades including the rise of the Teutonic Knights. From the religious and political strife that rocked Germany in the early 11th century to civil war, campaigns in Italy and Henry IV's brief capture of Rome, and the successes of the Teutonic Knights and the Ministeriales - the serf-knights.

The Lancastrian army was conducting a triumphant march on the capital, having defeated Warwick at the Second Battle of St. Albans, when on 4 March, Edward of York was proclaimed king in London. The Lancastrians withdrew northwards and Edward followed in pursuit. The two armies met at the village of Towton on 29 March 1461. This long and bitter battle began early as the two armies advanced towards each other, raging all day with the Lancastrians seeming to have the better of it, until the Duke of Norfolk arrived with several thousand Yorkist reinforcements., resulting in what is known as 'Bloody Meadow'. This book reveals how Towton marked the resurgence of the Yorkist cause and established Edward IV as king.

The 'knight in shining armour' has become a staple figure in popular culture, and images of bloody battlefields, bustling feasting halls and courtly tournaments have been creatively interpreted many times in film and fiction. But what was the medieval knight truly like? In this fascinating title, former Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries Christopher Gravett describes how knights evolved over three centuries of English and European history, the wars they fought, their lives both in peacetime and on campaign, the weapons they fought with, the armour and clothing they wore and their fascinating code and mythology of chivalry. The text is richly illustrated with images ranging from manuscript illustrations to modern artwork reconstructions and many photographs of historic artefacts and sites.

The History of Castles is the ultimate illustrated guide to the world's most fascinating castles and strongholds. Dating back to ancient times, when Greeks, Romans, and Celts built fortifications to defend territories, castles have stood as symbols of both military might and cultural achievement. Christopher Gravett takes us on a tour of the most magnificent castles throughout the world, with chapters ranging from the British Isles, France, Germany, the Low Countries, Austria, Switzerland, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and Scandinavia, to Eastern Europe and Russia, as well as fortifications in the Muslim World, the Far East, and the United States.The author, former curator at the infamous Tower of London, explores the important roles that these castles played in warfare and in social history. He also provides a thorough look at the architectural history and function of these proud strongholds. Featuring nearly 200 beautiful full-color photographs, 30 reconstructions, and 70 detailed maps--plus more than 70 new illustrations unique to this paperback edition--The History of Castles is the ideal book for history enthusiasts, vacation planners, and anyone enamored by these breathtaking buildings.

Following their victory at Towton in 1461, The House of York continued to triumph. By 1470, however, relations between Edward and his lieutenant, Eari of Warwick, had broken down and Warwick had joined the Lancastrian cause. On 14 April 1471 at Barnet, Edward defeated and killed Warwick. On the same day Henry VI's wife and son, Queen Margaret and Prince Edward, landed at Weymouth. Learning of the disaster, they united with Warwick's army and made a stand at Tewkesbury. Edward IV bombarded Somerset's division, who reacted with a surprise attack on the Yorkist line. However, Edward IV counterattacked and routed Somerset's men. The Lancastrians fled. This title examines how, after Tewkesbury, the Lancastrian cause had been virtually wiped out.

The battle of Bosworth was the culmination of the War of the Roses, the dynastic struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster that dominated England in the second half of the 15th century. Edward IV had secured the throne for the house of York, but his early death in 1483, followed by the death of his sons and the taking of the throne by his brother, Richard of York, saw a renewed outbreak of fighting. His reign began with a major rebellion and was dogged by rumours of his involvement in murder, with Richard facing threats not only from the lords he alienated but also the Lancastrian faction waiting in the wings. Henry Tudor eventually decided to take the huge risk of attempting to seize the throne and Richard's army marched to meet him, finally clashing near Market Bosworth. Guiding the reader from the campaign's origins to its aftermath, and covering the commanders and forces of King Richard III and Henry Tudor, this is a complete treatment of one of the most important events in English history. The story of Bosworth has been transformed in the 20th century as an extensive survey between 2005 and 2009 by the Battlefields Trust has pinpointed the location of the battlefield, for many years a source of debate and controversy, and this new history is based on that interpretation. It will also highlight the incredible discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester, the study of the bones and relate this to what was previously thought to have happened to him at the end of the battle.

Osprey's Campaign title for the Battle of Hastings, which was fought on 14th October 1066 between Duke William of Normandy and Harold Godwinson, king of England, and which irrevocably changed the course of English history. William's victory ensured his accession to the English throne. Hastings was also decisive in another way: the horrendous casualties suffered by the English nobility both there and at the two earlier battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge resulted in there being very few men influential enough to lead an English resistance once William had been crowned. William would survive long enough to successfully found a Norman dynasty of English kings.