The Battle of Towton: The Battle That Completely Changed England.

The Battle of Towton: The Battle That Completely Changed England.

Today I want to take you back in time to one of the most brutal days in English history. We often hear about the Wars of the Roses and the struggle between the Houses of York and Lancaster. The struggle seems so remote, it is easy to forget the ordinary men who were caught up in the conflict. The Battle of Towton was fought on the 29th of March in 1461, which was Palm Sunday. It was one of the largest and bloodiest battles ever fought on English soil.

The Wars of the Roses had been raging for several years. Rival noble families were fighting for control of the throne, and loyalties were divided. Some men followed their local lord because they felt it was their duty. Others were hoping to gain from it, but for many, they had very little choice in the matter. Families could even find themselves on opposing sides. As the tensions grew, both sides prepared for a decisive confrontation.

The battle took place near the village of Towton in Yorkshire. The weather was dreadful. There was snow and strong winds that swept across the battlefield, making the conditions terrible for everyone. The Yorkist army who supported Edward IV, faced the Lancastrian forces, who remained loyal to Henry VI.

 

Thousands of men stood in the freezing weather with the knowledge that many of them might not survive the day.

When the fighting started, the wind favoured the Yorkists. Their archers were able to fire further, while the Lancastrian arrows fell short. But this advantage did not decide the battle. Before long, the two sides crashed together in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Soldiers fought with swords, axes, bills and daggers. Men were pushed, struck and trampled in the mud and snow.

For hours neither side could gain a clear advantage. The fighting became a grim test of endurance. Many soldiers were not professional fighters but ordinary men that were called on to fight for their lord or king. The casualties mounted up, and the battlefield became even more chaotic.

Eventually reinforcements led by John Mowbray arrived for the Yorkists. Their arrival helped turn the tide of the battle. The Lancastrian line began to collapse and many soldiers ran. What followed was perhaps the most terrible part of the day. Many of the men that fled were cut down as they tried to escape. By the end of the battle, thousands were dead. Historians still debate the exact number, but it was undoubtedly one of the bloodiest conflicts ever fought in England.

The victory secured the throne for Edward IV and marked a major turning point in the Wars of the Roses. But for the families who lost fathers, sons, brothers and husbands, there was very little cause for celebration. The battle may have decided a crown, but it also left behind intense grief.

Do you think that the ordinary soldiers who fought at Towton believed they were fighting for a cause, or were victims of a power struggle?

The Volunteer Firewatchers of the Blitz in World War Two.

The Volunteer Firewatchers of the Blitz in World War Two.

Today I want to return to the British Home Front and tell you about a group of volunteers who played a vital role during the Blitz.

They were known as firewatchers, and although they rarely receive the same attention as the soldiers or the aircrew, their work helped to save countless buildings and lives during the Blitz.

When Germany began its bombing campaign against Britain in 1940, many people were worried about the destruction that would be caused. Large numbers of incendiary bombs were also being dropped on towns and cities. These small bombs were designed to start fires rather than cause explosions. A single incendiary bomb could set fire to an entire building and the flames could spread through the streets affecting homes, shops and factories.

As the bombing intensified, the government realised that professional firefighters could not cope with every outbreak of fire without help. Volunteers from all walks of life stepped up. Many had worked a full day before beginning a long shift of fire watching. They agreed to stay on the roofs during the night, in factory buildings, schools, offices and warehouses. They were there to put out any incendiary bombs that landed during a raid before a fire could take hold, often using buckets of sand or stirrup pumps. They were often supplied with basic protection, usually just a tin hat. The job was dangerous but essential.

The explosions and fires must have been terrifying, but many remained at their posts throughout the entire raid.

One example of the work they did was during the heavy bombing of London. Firewatchers helped to protect many important buildings, including churches, museums and historic landmarks. If they had failed does not bear thinking about. Britain could have lost many more beautiful and irreplaceable buildings and important records.

By 1941, firewatching had become a part of wartime life. Businesses organised duty rotas and many workers took turns. Firewatching became compulsory for many workplaces under the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order of 1941. Some would complain about the long hours and the exhaustion, which is hardly surprising. Imagine finishing a day’s work only to spend the night looking out for bombs. But many just accepted the responsibility because they knew what was at stake. They were fighting on their own battlefield, one air raid at a time. They were helping to defend their communities.

As the threat of large-scale bombing started to ease after the worst years of the Blitz, the need for them to constantly fire watch reduced. But, the contribution of these volunteers should not be forgotten. They stood watch on cold nights, dealt with the fear and the exhaustion, and often placed themselves in danger in order to protect the places where they lived and worked.

Do you think firewatchers receive the recognition they deserve for the risks they took ?

Did Victorian Servants’ Get Time Off? If So How Much?

Did Victorian Servants’ Get Time Off? If So How Much?

Today I want to explore a part of Victorian life that is often overlooked. We usually picture servants working very long hours in beautiful grand houses, constantly cleaning, cooking or answering bells. But what happened when they were allowed time off? For many Victorian servants, time off from work must have been precious.

During the early Victorian period, domestic service was one of the largest occupations in Britain. Hundreds of thousands of people worked as servants. Life for them was often very demanding, but they did get time off, albeit rarely. A servant’s day usually started before dawn and it did not end until late at night. Their duties varied depending on their rank within the household, the lowest being the scullery maid and boot boy. Victorians seemed to place huge importance on hierarchy and everyone was expected to know their place. Most servants had very little privacy and had to live under strict rules. Their employers often expected loyalty, obedience and hard work. Could you imagine this system today?

In the first half of the nineteenth century, many servants received very little free time. Some may have only got a few hours off on a Sunday afternoon after church. Others had no regular time off at all. Younger servants who had left rural villages to work in towns and cities could often go for weeks or even months without seeing their families. It was not uncommon for them to struggle with homesickness and loneliness.

Attitudes slowly began to change. Reformers and some employers began to recognise that servants were in fact human beings who needed to rest and have recreation time. By the late nineteenth century, many households had introduced a regular “afternoon out” or “evening out.” This allowed a servant a few hours each week away from the house, although the exact arrangements depended entirely on the employer. 

Some servants visited with family or friends if they lived nearby. Others went to church activities, joined local clubs or just enjoyed a walk in parks and busy streets for a little fresh air. For the young women working in service, these outings gave them an  opportunity to socialise and maybe even meet a potential future husband. For many, it was a chance to feel independent, if only for a short while.

Victorian servants were generally allowed to court, but it was often restricted and depended on their employer.

Many employers expected servants to behave respectably and might disapprove of relationships that they considered unsuitable. Female servants were usually watched more closely than male servants because employers worried about scandal. They were concerned about pregnancy, or a servant leaving her position to marry.

Marriage was actually expected by many Victorians. A large number of female servants left service when they married, as married women were often expected to focus on  their own homes and families. Employers sometimes assumed that young women would only remain in service until they found a husband.

Some free time was not spent away from the household. In some homes, especially where employers were kinder or at least wanted to appear to be, servants occasionally took part in organised outings. During the summer they might join the family on trips to the seaside, country fairs or places of local interest and were able to enjoy parts of the day themselves. Christmas also could bring a welcome break from the usual routine. Some households gave gifts, organised special meals or even allowed extra time off so servants could visit their families. In larger towns and cities, servants' balls also became popular. These events gave domestic workers a chance to dress up, dance, meet friends and enjoy themselves.

When servants had time off they were expected to return punctually and behave respectably. Employers worried that their staff might mix with the “wrong” company or neglect their duties. Some servants actually felt pressure even during their time off.

Annual holidays were even more special. Although not many servants received them, those who did might have spent a few days visiting relatives or returning to their home towns or villages.

By the end of the Victorian period, conditions had improved somewhat, although service was still demanding. Industrialisation had also helped to bring about change. As factories, shops and offices started to expand during the nineteenth century, domestic service was no longer the only option for many young people looking for work. Some workers could earn similar or even better wages in factories, and many jobs came with much more predictable hours and regular time off. This meant that employers found it harder to find and keep servants. To compete, some households gradually started to offer better conditions, including regular afternoons out, occasional holidays and a little more freedom than servants had enjoyed earlier in the century. So really the improvements didn’t just come from people being more magnanimous but from their own need to find staff. Had the industrial revolution not happened many employers may well have been quite comfortable with the old working conditions.

How do you think you would have faired as a Victorian servant ? Personally I don’t know how they managed it.

The Battle of Bamber Bridge in 1943: When Segregation Sparked a Conflict in Wartime Britain

The Battle of Bamber Bridge in 1943: When Segregation Sparked a Conflict in Wartime Britain

As you know yesterday I wrote about Black American soldiers in Britain during the Second World War. I touched on the Battle of Bamber Bridge, and today I want to follow on from that and tell you more about the incident, it revealed how the imported segregation and racial prejudice created tension.

Stock image

Not the men involved.

By 1943, large numbers of American troops were stationed all across Britain. Among them were Black American servicemen, the American military was at the time segregated. Many of these servicemen worked in transport, engineering and support roles, but many wished they could go into combat. They wore the same uniform and often faced the same dangers of war, but they were often treated unfairly.

These tensions became painfully clear in the Lancashire village of Bamber Bridge, near Preston. Black soldiers from the 1511th Quartermaster Truck Regiment were stationed nearby. Many local people had welcomed them. Unlike the strict segregation many Black GIs had experienced in parts of the United States, British pubs and social spaces were generally open to them. Britain had it prejudices and racial problems but were far from segregated. Friendships had formed and the local residents often treated the men with respect and kindness.

On the evening of the 24th of June 1943, several Black soldiers were spending time in a village pub called the Ye Olde Hob Inn. Military police, who were white Americans, entered the pub and attempted to arrest one of the soldiers. There are differing accounts about the exact reason, but tensions quickly rose. The landlord and some local people reportedly questioned why the man was being arrested and they complained about how heavy-handed the police were.

The situation escalated. Words were exchanged which led to a scuffle. The military police left but that wasnt the end of it. News about the encounter spread between the soldiers back at camp. There was already strain about the segregation and resentment was building. What started as a dispute in a pub grew into something much, much bigger.

Later that night, armed military police returned to the camp to make arrests. A white military policeman fired and Private William Crossland, a black soldier, was shot and killed. After this, the situation escalated and both the MPs and some armed Black soldiers exchanged shots. For several hours, the village was caught in the middle of an armed confrontation.

The violence eventually came to an end, but the cost was tragic. One Black soldier was killed and several others were wounded. Many servicemen were arrested and faced military punishment.

The incident became known as the Battle of Bamber Bridge, although it was less a battle than an explosion of frustration and injustice. People often recall the support shown by many villagers to the Black soldiers. American authorities tried to contain the embarrassment and to restore order.

This reminds us that the struggle against hatred did not only exist on the battlefield. Even while fighting fascism abroad, some soldiers were still battling prejudice at home.

The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 -When Ordinary People Stood up and Demanded Change.

The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 -When Ordinary People Stood up and Demanded Change.

Today I want to briefly step away from the Tudors which we have been exploring for last few weeks and travel back a little further to one of the most remarkable moments of medieval England. I want to tell you about the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, a time when ordinary people came together and demanded change. They wanted to challenge the system, one that they felt was unfair.

In the middle of the fourteenth century, England had been devastated by the Black Death. The disease had killed a large part of the population. It had left villages changed forever. For the people who had survived, new opportunities were beginning to appear. Workers were suddenly in much greater demand because there were less people available to do the work. Many had hoped that this would mean better wages and by extension that their lives and that of their families would have improved.

Not everyone welcomed the changes. Landowners and officials tried to keep wages under control and to prevent workers from getting too much freedom.

Government also needed more money to help fund wars abroad. Several taxes were introduced, including a poll tax that demanded the same amount of money from everyone regardless of how wealthy they were. Many people thought this was grossly unfair. Families that were already struggling to make ends meet were being asked to contribute just as much as people who had huge wealth.

By 1381, the resentment had been building for years. Many labourers, craftsmen and villagers were feeling ignored and burdened by the rules that seemed to be designed to benefit others. When the tax collectors arrived demanding their payment, the anger that had been brewing erupted and it turned into resistance. What started as small localised unrest quickly spread across parts of southern and eastern England.

Groups of rebels began to meet up and unite. One of their most famous leaders was Wat Tyler. The priest John Ball was also an inspiration, he had encouraged people to question why society was so unequal. His message had resonated with many people who believed that they deserved fairer.

The rebels marched towards London, they gathered supporters along the way. For many, the journey must have been a mix of emotions. Was there fear or some level of determination and maybe even excitement?

When they eventually reached London, some of the government buildings were attacked and important records were destroyed. The authorities were unable to ignore what was happening. The young king, Richard II, agreed to meet with some of the representatives of the rebels. For a while, it seemed possible that some of the rebels demands might actually be met.

But during a meeting at Smithfield, Wat Tyler was killed. The loss of their leader weakened the rebel movement, and many of them started to return home. Royal authority was then restored, and many of the promises that had been made were withdrawn. Some of the protest leaders were arrested and had to face harsh punishments for their involvement. A clear warning should anyone think of rising up again.

Their actions revealed the growing tensions in medieval society.

Would you have been brave enough to join the revolt?

Image info:

Artist: Jean Froissart

Date: 1401-1500

Collection: Bibliothèque nationale de France

Richard II meeting the rebels, 1381.

Black GIs in Britain: Courage, Friendship and Segregation During the Second World War

Black GIs in Britain: Courage, Friendship and Segregation During the Second World War

I have been learning more about life on the home front but today I want to talk about the experiences of Black American soldiers during the Second World War. They are very often overlooked. Their story is one of courage and contradiction. So lets find out about the experiences of Black GIs and segregation in Britain.

When the United States entered the war after 1941, large numbers of American troops started arriving in Britain. Among them were thousands of Black servicemen. Many had joined up wanting to serve and fight. Some wanted to defend democracy, others were looking for better wages or opportunities that were not open to them at home. But even before they reached Britain, many knew that they would be serving in a segregated military.

At the time, the American armed forces were divided by race. Black troops were frequently placed in labour, transport and supply roles rather than in combat positions, despite many wanting the chance to fight. Some officers and officials still held racist ideas that questioned their abilities and leadership. This obviously created frustration and disappointment among men that were willing to risk their lives.

Arriving in Britain many Black GIs were met with a very different culture from the segregated communities they had known in parts of America. Britain certainly had its prejudice and its racial stereotypes, and Black people who lived in Britain had also faced discrimination. But the strict American-style segregation was very unfamiliar to many British people.

This sometimes led to culture shock on both sides. The British were often confused and even angry when the American military tried to enforce segregation in local pubs, dance halls or other social spaces. Some local people welcomed the Black soldiers, they invited them into their homes, shared meals with them and went to dances together. For many Black GIs, these acts of kindness had enormous meaning. To be served in a café, spoken to with respect or treated as an equal must have felt unexpectedly moving.

Friendships developed, and romances. Music performances helped bring people together, but tensions still existed. White American soldiers sometimes resented this acceptance and clashes occasionally broke out.

For a lot of the Black GIs, these experiences must have been confusing. Most would have definitely felt pride in the uniform and in serving but they were also treated unfairly by their own military. They were fighting against fascism and racial hatred while still facing discrimination themselves.

The war eventually ended and many Black veterans returned home to segregation.

 How do you think the Black American soldiers felt fighting for freedom when they are still being denied equality themselves?

The 1866 Women’s Suffrage Petition: The Peaceful Campaign That Demanded Women Be Heard

The 1866 Women’s Suffrage Petition: The Peaceful Campaign That Demanded Women Be Heard

A few days ago we we found out about how the fight for women’s votes began long before the suffragettes appeared. Today I want to tell you about an important moment, the 1866 Women’s Suffrage Petition which we briefly touched on. It was a peaceful campaign, that did not involve breaking windows or any public confrontation, but it required determination and organisation.

Image info:

Pamphlet copy of 1866 petition 

By the middle of the nineteenth century, Britain was changing. Industrial growth, political reform and debates about rights had started to encourage many people to question the old ideas. Women were still excluded from parliamentary elections and were usually expected to stay in the home, but many were starting to be educated and were becoming much more politically aware. This increased their frustration at their lack of influence.

Image info:

Barbara Bodichon

Barbara Bodichon believed that change was possible. She was a determined campaigner for women’s education, employment and legal rights. She became one of the key organisers behind the 1866 petition. She worked with women like Emily Davies, who would go on to help establish higher education opportunities for women. They were influenced by the wider reform movements and also by the growing belief that fairness should not depend on your gender.

The petition was carefully organised. Bodichon and her supporters collected signatures from women all across Britain that wished for female suffrage. This was no small task. Travel could be difficult and women campaigning publicly risked criticism or at times ridicule.

The campaign gained an influential ally. John Stuart Mill, the philosopher and Member of Parliament believed women should have equal political rights. He agreed to present the petition to Parliament. The petition was brought to Parliament by Emily Davies and Elizabeth Garrett. On the 7th of June 1866, Mill formally introduced it in the House of Commons.

The petition carried around 1,500 signatures. That number may not seem very big, but at the time it was remarkable. Each signature was a woman willing to give her name to a controversial cause. Some women may well have been excited or proud, but others may have been anxious. They were very aware that their neighbours or their family might not approve. They were not just signing a piece paper; they were challenging centuries of political restrictions. Restrictions that were in ground.

Parliament did not give women the vote in 1866. This must have been painful. But the petition did achieve something. It showed that women could organise nationally, work together and demand to be heard. This didn’t end the movement, the rejection actually helped to strengthen it.

Without this petition and the courage of those women that signed it, the suffrage campaigns that followed may have looked very different.

Do you think the peaceful campaigners of 1866 receive enough recognition?