Battle of Bosworth (1485)

A Battle of Bosworth game was played in early 2020 at the Hall of Heroes in Campbelltown. This game was based on the more recent interpretation of the battle, as described on the Battlefields of Britain website, with Richard III’s army facing off against Henry Tudor’s army near an area of marshy ground where it is believed that Richard was ultimately killed. The Stanley’s forces were waiting in reserve to see how the battle would proceed and who they would ultimately support.

Players: Philip and Vic (Yorkist) vs. Ian (Tudor)

Rules: Hail Caesar

Points: Approximately 700 pts per side

Objective/s: Kill the opposing army commander and/or break their army

Only a couple of scenario-specific special rules were used (see below), which were only communicated to Vic and Ian when they were relevant during the game itself.

Firstly, Richard’s unit of knights must attempt an immediate ‘follow me’ order if Henry’s unit of knights makes any move whilst within charge range. If passed, the ‘follow me’ order happens immediately (out of normal turn order) and must be directly towards Henry’s unit, charging any unit that it makes contact with.

Secondly, if Richard and Henry’s units fight in close combat, then the Stanley’s would enter the battlefield (near the marshy ground) to fight alongside the Tudors.

Well, that certainly did not play out as the historical outcome! Richard rode his luck and ‘threaded the needle’ between the Tudor units to finally claim victory. It was an exciting game, particularly as there were so many opportunities for the commanders to be injured or killed. If Richard’s unit had broken, he would not have been able to escape to an allied unit so Henry’s strategy could have worked, but unknown to Ian his movement to the left flank also took him away from his Stanley allies.

Thanks Ian and Vic for a great game.