3 Memorable Battles That Have Shaped British History

1. 3 Memorable Battles That Have Shaped British History Great Britain has witnessed many battles, campaigns, and wars. While some were fought on different continents, others were fought on British soil. All of them have managed to influence Britain’s history and politics in some way or another. Which are the ones that have impacted the country the most? We list a few for you: The Battle of Plassey in 1757: India was the jewel in the crown of the British Empire thanks to its innumerable resources, including spices, textiles, jewels, and a huge population that largely served as the British army’s foot soldiers. All of this they achieved through the battle of Plassey. The battle was fought between the Nawab, the ruler of Bengal allied with the French, and the British East India Company. It was a decisive victory that led to the establishment of British rule in India. While the East India Company, led by Robert Clive, (later called Clive of India) lost around 22 men, the Nawab lost more than 500 men. This victory was largely because of the treachery of the Nawab’s men and the latter’s superior armory. The Battle of Towton, 1461: Not many know this, but the Battle of Towtonwas probably the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil, claiming more than 28,000 lives. More than five hundred years ago, in 1461 on Palm Sunday, the rival dynasties of York and Lancaster fought a bloody battle that was said to have lasted more than 10 hours and resulted in the complete annihilation of the Lancastrians. The Battle of Towton is significant not only because of the countless lives that were lost, but also because of the outcome: it was not only a significant event in the Wars of the Roses, but it also forever changed the course of British history. This article by travel enthusiast Dave Dunlop explains the events that happened during the war in detail. The Battle of Hastings, 1066: The Battle of Hastings was fought between King Harold II, the Anglo-Saxon king, and the invading forces of William, the Duke of Normandy, who refused to accept the latter’s claim to the throne after King Edward the Confessor died heirless. The battle ended when the Normans killed King Harold II, and the Duke of Normandy succeeded the throne to become William the Conqueror. This battle is significant because it changed the political, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic landscape of the country forever. The English-speaking Anglo-Saxons had to adapt to the French language, which gave birth to modern English. Resource Box: The Author is a lover and chronicler of British military history with a special interest in wars like the Battle of Towton, i.e. battles that are historically significant yet lost in time.