Fauconberg's Attack on London

Fauconberg's attack across London Bridge, May 1471 - original painting by Graham Turner

Fauconberg's Attack on London - original painting Ref: GT-LB

While Edward IV was occupied at Tewkesbury, Thomas Neville, Bastard of Fauconberg, landed in Kent and advanced on London, with the undoubted intention of releasing Henry VI from the Tower. On 12th May 1471 he arrived at Southwark and launched his first attack across London Bridge.

Faced by the citizens' determined defence the attackers were repulsed, but they regrouped and two days later launched simultaneous full-scale attacks on the bridge and Bishopsgate and Aldgate. After much desperate fighting, the attackers were once again driven away in 'flyght and discomfiture', leaving several buildings on the southern end of London Bridge in flames (two carpenters were employed afterwards to construct wooden rails where these buildings had stood).

On Tuesday 21st May King Edward arrived at the City, knighting the mayor and several other officials who had 'mannly and honorably acquit them selfe against the bastard, and his crwell hooste', before entering London in triumph. His victory was completed that same night when Henry VI died in the Tower, undoubtedly murdered, but recorded in King Edward's official account as having died of 'pure displeasure and melencoly'. Another observer in Europe wrote; 'King Edward has not chosen to have the custody of King Henry any longer... He has, in short chosen to crush the seed.'

Fauconberg's head would eventually end up spiked on London Bridge looking towards Kent.

Original gouache painting by Graham Turner - image size 15.2"x 10.75" (385mm x 273mm) Note: When framed with a mount, the overall picture size will be larger.

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Please read the paragraphs below about purchasing an original painting.

Price: £1,250.00

Fauconberg's attack across London Bridge, May 1471 - detail from an original painting by Graham Turner

Graham Turner's Original Paintings are offered for sale by the artist himself, rather than through Studio 88, which is our print publishing business. Consequently, payment directly to him is preferred. If you are interested in purchasing an original painting, please email Graham Turner at graham@studio88.co.uk to discuss the purchase or to arrange to visit.

The cost of shipping original paintings varies, depending on their size, value and destination. Our usual shipping rates do not apply, but we would be happy to provide a quote for shipping to your address if you are unable to collect.

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Painting is priced unframed.

THE WARS OF THE ROSES

THE MEDIEVAL ART OF GRAHAM TURNER - Signed by Graham Turner

Graham Turner's eagerly anticipated book about the Wars of the Roses is now available.

It includes over 120 of his paintings and drawings, many newly created, with supplementary images and a comprehensive and fascinating text that illuminates the complex, shifting course of events and the people who lived their lives through this tumultuous time.

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