The site started to empty out on Monday morning but soon filled up again by late afternoon.
We walked around the town and made the mistake of following a footpath along the River Avon. Turned back when we realised there was no evidence of a bridge ahead.
Found a tea shop in the town, had a lovely pot of tea for two, but the sandwich was nothing to write home about.
Tuesday, it was very hot and stayed on the site. Interestingly enough, I learnt from a fellow camper whilst washing the dishes in the communal dishwashing room, that the a very significant
War of the Roses occurred at Tewkesbury. He told me that each year the Battle of Tewkesbury,
that took place in 1471, is re-enacted by historian enthusiasts on part of the exact Battle ground. Apparently, it’s widely considered the largest medieval gathering of it’s kind in Europe. https://www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org
That led me to remind myself of the history of the Wars of the Roses.
Interestingly, enough they weren't battles fought in the northern counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire, as I remember learning from my school days, in fact they had little to do with these areas.It was mainly due to rivalry between the two Royal Houses, Lancaster and York, which both lay claim to the throne, both with a line of descendancy from Edward III.
The Lancastrian Dynasty were in power at the time, when unrest built up between the two houses. In 1455, a Great Council was called, that excluded Richard, Duke of York, sparking the series of battles between York and Lancaster that would last 30 years.
King Henry VI , the last Lancastrian King was captured and released many times after 1455 until he met his death after the Battle of Tewkesbury, in 1471. His son, Edward was killed in Battle, the last descendant in that line. Which meant, the throne was secured for Edward IV a Yorkist.
What mainly sparked my enthusiasm to learn these historical events, was the man I met washing his dishes, when he mentioned that many French, Germans and other Europeans visit or take part in these re-enactments that occur today. How did they fit into the story? Both sides during the Wars of the Roses took trips to France to gather support and increase their armies. So many of their ancestors would have fought in these battles, I guess?
