We have already seen (S301) that the first blood was shed at
St. Albans (1455), where the Yorkists, after half an hour's fighting,
gained a complete victory. A similar result followed at Bloreheath,
Staffordshire (1459). In a third battle, at Northampton, the Yorkists
were again successful (1460). Henry was taken prisoner, and Queen
Margaret fled with the young Prince Edward to Scotland. Richard now
demanded the crown. (See map facing p. 172.)
Henry answered with unexpected spirit: "My father was King, his father
also was King. I have worn the crown forty years from my cradle; you
have all sworn fealty to me as your sovereign, and your fathers did
the like to my fathers. How, then, can my claim be disputed?" After
a long controversy, a compromise was effected. Henry agreed that if
he were left in peaceable possession of the throne during his life,
Richard or his heirs should succeed him.