Battle of Hexham

The Battle of Hexham Levels

The Battle of Hexham on the 25th April 1464 is one of the least documented important battles in our history. So little is recorded and so little known of the event even the site of the battle is disputed though many believe that it took places on the Levels of Hexham, now known as ‘Paradise’. What we can say is that it was significant enough to herald an end to Lancastrian resistance in the Wars of the Roses for seven long years. This gave a welcome respite to years of intermittent fighting and trouble.

With the death of Somerset at Hexham (he was executed in the town after the battle) the last of the main Lancastrian leaders in the North was removed. The important castles of Dunstanburgh and Alnwick surrendered within a week of the battle.

The key to exploring the battle field is to start at Linnels bridge and to remember that Somerset decided to fight with the Devils Water behind him. This was a two edged sword in that he couldn’t be outflanked but he also had no retreat.

It seems hard to believe that the beautiful fields of ‘Paradise’ could have been a battle ground!