21 March 2020

War of the Thorns Battle of Aspatria

13 July 1471: A Scots Common army is able to prevent a French invasion in the north.

Actual events:
Only after the Battle of Tewkesbury did Duke Francis II become involved in the events of the War of the Roses, when he unexpectedly became the protector of England's House of Lancaster in exile.

At the time, the Tudors had tried to flee to France but strong winds in the English Channel forced them to land at Le Conquet in Brittany, where they were taken into the custody of Duke Francis II. Henry Tudor, the only remaining Lancastrian noble with a trace of royal bloodline, had a weak claim to the throne, and King Edward IV regarded him as inconsequential. However, Francis II viewed Henry as a valuable tool to bargain for England's aid, when in conflicts with France, and therefore kept the Tudors under his protection.

James' policies during the 1470s revolved primarily around ambitious continental schemes for territorial expansion and an alliance with Edward IV. While an alliance (and the marriage of his son to one of Edward IV's daughters) might have been a sensible move for Scotland, it went against the traditional enmity of the two countries dating back to the reign of Robert I and the Wars of Independence, not to mention the vested interests of the border nobility.

Where things diverge:
With Edward of Westminster still alive, and mounting a resistance, Francis II has sailed to England to take part in the war. He may or may not be harbouring the Tudors. Unfortunately he tries to be a little too cunning and lands in the north west of England, at Maryport. James, eager to show his allegiance to Edward IV, marched out of Scotland to meet the threat.


Final result was Stephen (Y) 4 v 3 Django (L).

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