Battle of Blore Heath - Aftermath

Aftermath

Salisbury was concerned that Lancastrian reinforcements were in the vicinity and was keen to press on southwards towards Ludlow. He made his camp on a hillside at Market Drayton, which later took his name. Salisbury employed a local friar to remain on Blore Heath throughout the night and to periodically discharge a cannon in order to deceive any Lancastrians nearby into believing that the fight was continuing.

Legend has it that Margaret of Anjou watched the battle from the spire of the church in nearby Mucklestone, before fleeing when she realised Audley was being defeated. It is said that she employed a blacksmith, William Skelhorn, to reverse the shoes on her horse to disguise her escape. The anvil from the smithy stands in the churchyard at Mucklestone to commemorate this event. However, such legends are found in other parts of Europe and the prospect of a blacksmith being able to do this - and do the same to the rest of the Queen`s party in with the necessary speed - is highly unlikely. Audley is buried in Darley Abbey in Derbyshire. A cross was erected on Blore Heath after the battle to mark the spot where Audley was slain. It was replaced with a stone cross in 1765. Audley's Cross stands on Blore Heath to this day.

The battle was commemorated by a re-enactment each year in September at Blore Heath until 2009.