In the absence of any secure topographical detail in the primary sources, our only option is to fall back upon Burne’s principle of Inherent Military Probability. In doing so we also need to take account, as far as current knowledge allows, of the specific tactical considerations of the period plus the historical detail of the tactical terrain around Mortimer’s Cross and of the broader strategic landscape. 

 

As the primary sources are not specific, the first task is to establish the likely direction in which each army approached the battlefield, because this will have affected the tactical potential that each commander saw within the landscape. What we cannot know is which army arrived first and thus was able to choose the ground, hence we must explore both alternatives in assessing the potential of the terrain. 

 

- Dr Glenn Foard