Article on page 13 of Dickon Independent issue 86

The Tragic Reign Of Henry VI And Towton, England's Most Brutal Battle By George Goodwin - November 10

Over 50 people attended this talk at Hanley Castle High School, and enjoyed a good account of the incompetent reign of Henry VI which led to the battle of Towton.

It was a very posh venue for our branch. We used the theatre at the school which is next door to a café area so that refreshments could be served after the talk. The cakes were magnificent and a credit to those members who had baked them.

George Goodwin followed the layout of the book in his illustrated talk and proved to be an entertaining speaker. You needed to know your history though or to have read his book to follow it all easily and visitors, including my husband, found it hard to understand. He had also hoped for more on the battle of Towton itself.

George spoke for about an hour then answered a few questions before we all went to buy tea and cakes and raffle tickets.

A bookseller from Ledbury was present with both paperback and hardback copies of Fatal Colours for sale. I have read my copy twice and can recommend it as a clear and comprehensive account of Henry VI’s shortcomings, the Duke of York’s dilemma and the brutal battle of Towton. The Duke of York found himself in an impossible situation, trying to improve the king’s rule without removing the king. It’s no wonder so many men died at Towton when both sides recruited men for the royal cause. To refuse a summons by a king was treason.

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