The Man Behind the Tudors by Kirsten Claiden-Yardley

Author:Kirsten Claiden-Yardley [Claiden-Yardley, Kirsten]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Royalty
Publisher: Pen and Sword History
Published: 2020-03-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Battle of Flodden, 1513

It is doubtful that Thomas and his commanders got much sleep on the night of 8 September as they prepared themselves for battle the following day. They may have snatched a few hours once they had issued orders to their captains, but they had to rise in the early hours of the morning. There were still several miles of ground to be covered before they were even ready to engage with the enemy and they needed to get there as quickly as possible. The pieces of Thomas’ armour would have been laid out ready for him, with his squires on hand to dress him. Over the top he would have worn his heraldic surcoat, the bright colours of his coat of arms ensuring that he could be easily identified by his men – and by the enemy. The helm, with its restricted view, would probably have been left off until he was within range of the Scottish army, or at least he would have ridden with the visor raised. It had never been a light outfit, but at seventy years old it must have felt heavier than ever. By the time they departed from their camp, their supplies were almost exhausted and they were still plagued with rain and strong winds. The intention was to undertake a rapid march to the battlefield, and the order was given for the remaining baggage and tents to be left behind at the camp. It could be collected by those who survived the day.

It had been decided that the army would split into two to cross the River Twill. This would hopefully speed up the crossing, which was going to be tricky due to the preceding days of rain, but it was undoubtedly risky. The two crossing points were over a mile apart, and during that time communication between Thomas and his son, Thomas the younger, would be challenging. Once they had crossed the river, they would need to successfully coordinate reuniting the two halves of the army. The vanguard with its two wings, commanded by Thomas the younger, crossed the river at Twizel bridge, while Thomas took the rearguard across the in the shallow water near to Heaton Mill. The contemporary accounts do not record any notable skirmishes with the Scottish army at the crossing points, suggesting that the Scots had not seriously anticipated an approach towards Flodden Hill from this direction. Reports suggest that Thomas the younger reached the crossing at Twizel bridge around 11 am and that they were spotted by Scottish scouts not long after. James, also an experienced military commander, is likely to have rapidly determined both Thomas’ strategy and its implications for him. If he allowed Thomas to reach Branxton Hill, then he would be the one in the disadvantaged position, forced to attack uphill into the English artillery fire or to attempt to sit out a siege. However, if he could make it to Branxton Hill before Thomas’ forces had crossed the river, reunited and marched to their target location, he would retain the advantage of the high ground.

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