The Battle of Shrewsbury

King Henry was not eager for battle. He initiated negotiations with the rebels and promised leniency if a bloodless settlement could be reached. For several hours on Saturday 21 July the two armies faced each other while negotiations took place. Perhaps the rebels were stalling for time, awaiting the arrival of Owain Glyndwr and his Welsh reinforcements. These reinforcements did not arrive in time. Just two hours before sunset the king sent two vanguards into battle and a massive archery duel ensued.

On higher ground and with more battle experience Percy’s rebel archers got the upper hand in this battle. The king's forces were falling like flies! When all arrows were finally exhausted the troops moved to hand combat using lances, spears, swords and daggers. Many casualties were taken on both sides until finally Percy led a rash charge upon the king and was killed. At the same time troops led by the young Prince of Wales moved unseen around the edge of the rebel army and launched a counter attack. The rebel army fled and many were hunted down and killed as they tried to make their retreat.