Ye Battle of Tewkesbury

After spending most of the day clearing out the attic up at the Lake Hammer chalet, I returned home totally exhausted.

So, when my cousin called wanting to drop off a couple of boxes, I almost asked him for a rain check.

I mean, I've been doing without the contents for several weeks now anyway, and I thought it was just a bunch of winter clothes. Who needs that when it's 90+ degrees (and 2,090 degree in an attic)?!

But, I got over myself, and am glad I did, because one of the boxes contained one of my favorite books on the War of the Roses.

It could not have been rediscovered at a more appropriate time either, because I've just recently been trying to find out more about the Battle of Tewkesbury, which took place way back in May 1471.

The reason for my fascination with this medieval battle stems not only from my general geekiness when it comes to all things historical, but also because I found a personal connection.

It turns out that one of my ancestors (a fellow by the name of John Delves) was killed in action there as part of the Lancastrian army (the losing side).

His son (a great-uncle many times over) fled the battlefield and sought refuge in the nearby abbey. But, as one version of the story goes, King Edward IV pursued him and several refugees, violated the abbey's sanctuary, and slaughtered them.

"As one version of the story goes" is the operative phrase.

I have found so many versions of the story, I'm trying to sort out which is "correct."

Kinda hard to do after so much time has passed . . .