Marches & West Midland Region
THE SEARCH CONTINUES ...
History is never definitive - there is always something new to be learned
MORTIMERS CROSS 1461
BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
The official search to authenticate the actual site of The Battle of Mortimers Cross
Although it was one of the decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses, the Battle of Mortimer's Cross remains one of the least documented. This has led to many theories and much debate.
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The Project was formed in 2014 to help determine a more precise location for the battle arena. Dr Glenn Foard, one of the country's leading battlefield archaeologists, led the search along with Professor Tracey Partida, a prominent figure in landscape archaeology. We now have an ever-growing group of enthusiasts and volunteers helping in this quest for our 'holy grail'. A Heritage Lottery Grant funded the Project over three years. This was extended due to the delays caused by the COVID-19 restrictions. The term ended officially on 31st July 2022.
However, the search will continue under the auspices of the Battlefields Trust West Midlands and Marches Group.
So please join us if you would like to get involved.
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Mortimers Cross 1461 Battlefield Project
Summary and Conclusions video
A STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIRMAN ON THE CONCLUSION OF THE PROJECT:
In 2016, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Battlefields Trust, in partnership with the University of Huddersfield, launched a community-based project to locate the historic site of the Battle of Mortimers Cross, fought in 1461.
The project aimed to identify the battle site and enhance understanding of its surrounding events. After nearly six years, the formal investigation concluded at the end of 2022, facing challenges such as severe winters that flooded the fields and complications from COVID-19, which contributed to delays. For those following the project, it's known that archaeological efforts did not uncover the battle's location.
However, the initiative significantly deepened our understanding of the battle's context and the landscape of Mortimers Cross in 1461, which will aid local historians. The project has also increased community interest and conversations about the battle. This legacy stems from the dedicated efforts of professional archaeologists and numerous volunteers, including metal detectorists who scoured the fields for artefacts and those who researched historical documents at Hereford Archives. Their work helped to illuminate contemporary accounts of the battle.
A highlight of the project was the Annual Battlefield Walk, led by enthusiastic steering group members. This walk successfully brought the history of the Battle of Mortimers Cross to life, and I’m happy to announce that these walks will continue. Additionally, our Annual Talk on Arms and Armour engaged attendees by interactively showcasing the world of the medieval soldier.
I thank all volunteers and steering group members for their unwavering support throughout this extensive project. Despite the delays, their dedication was truly inspiring. Lastly, I invite everyone following the project to join us on 30 August 2025 to unveil the interpretation panels. The steering group will host a final session of talks at Kingsland Church, and we look forward to sharing our discoveries with you. Further details will be provided soon.
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Ian Maddox
Chairman, The Mortimers Cross Battlefield Project
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