War of the Thorns Battle of Loddington

9 June 1471: While attempting to flee to France, Edward of Westminster is ambushed by a German mercenary army.

Actual events:
After several years in exile in both Scotland and France, Margaret of Anjou (young Edward's mother) took the best opportunity that presented itself and allied herself with the renegade Earl of Warwick (the Kingmaker). King Louis XI of France wanted to start a war with Burgundy, who are allies of the Yorkist King Edward IV and Louis believed if Lancastrian rule was restored then he would receive help conquering Burgundy.

In September 1470 Warwick returned to England and deposed Edward IV, with the help of Edward IV's younger brother, the Duke of Clarence. Edward IV fled into exile to Burgundy with his youngest brother the Duke of Gloucester, while Warwick restored Henry VI to the throne. Edward and Margaret lingered behind in France until April 1471. However, Edward IV had already raised an army, returned to England, and reconciled with Clarence. On the same day Margaret and young Edward landed in England (14 April), Edward IV defeated and killed Warwick at the Battle of Barnet. With little hope of success, the inexperienced prince and his mother led the remnant of their forces to meet Edward IV in the Battle of Tewkesbury. They were defeated and Margaret and Edward were killed.

Where things diverge:
Against the odds and various rumours of his death, Edward survived the battle of Tewkesbury and was able to muster the remnants of his army in an attempt to make an escape back to France.

It is unclear the reason for the presence of Diether von Isenburg and his army in England. While it could be for religious or political reasons, most suspect Diether is there to raise funds to restart his conflict with Adolph II of Nassau for the Electorate of Mainz. He therefore fights for Edward IV, at least until the gold lasts.

Diether von Isenburg had been staying in Cambridge since Edward IV's coronation, to further his studies and quietly raise support for his cause back home. He had been invited to England by Edward IV, and was keen to ensure he stayed on the throne. When Diether's spies informed him that Edward of Westminster had survived the carnage of Tewkesbury, and was attempting to flee the country, Diether saw this as a perfect opportunity to gain favour from the king.

He ambushed the young Lancastrian on the outskirts of Loddington, west of Kettering. Both forces were relatively small, only a few hundred men per side. Eager for a quick victory, the knights charged the Lancastrian centre.

This would end up being a mistake as Edward's bodyguard and archers were able to stop the assault in its tracks.

Diether was lucky to survive, and fled back to Cambridge. Young Edward, against the advice of his minders and wanting revenge for the death of his mother, decided to remain in England to continue the fight to reclaim the crown.

Final result was Karsten (Y) 2 v 4 Peter (L).