Simon Tomson – Three Battles, Two Castles and One Hours
Simon Tomson, archaeologist and lecturer, gave the October talk to an almost full house on Tuesday 13th
October.
We were intrigued by his subject, Three Battles, Two Castles and One Hours but all became clear as the story
unfolded. It was, in fact the story of William Hastings, lst Baron Hastings, 1430-1483 who succeeded his
father in service to the House of York and through this service became close to his distant cousin the future
king, Edward IV, whom he was to serve loyally all his life.
To begin the story Simon referred to an emblem on the Hastings coat of arms. This was a sleeve, la manche
in heraldry terms, and appeared throughout Hastings’ life in many guises. Simon’s talk was illustrated by
examples in the Book of Hours William had produced recording events throughout his life.
William was born at Kirby Muxloe Castle. He fought alongside Edward in the War of the Roses and was
present at the proclamation of Edward as king in London on 4 March 1461. When the new king secured his
crown at the Battle of Towton William was knighted on the field of battle. He was also appointed Chancellor.
In 1462 William was invested Knight of the Garter and given lands in Leicestershire and Rutland. He was
appointed Master of the Kings Mint and Lord Chamberlain. During this time he acquired Ashby de la Zouch
castle which he extended in the Norman style. At Kirby Muxloe he began an intricate and beautiful fortified
house of red brick, one of the first of its kind in the county. Unfortunately this was never finished but what
remains can be seen today. (both castles now English Heritage).
In 1470, after years of battling, Edward IV and his knights fled to Burgundy to avoid war with the Earl of
Warwick. A year later they returned to England, where Hastings commanded a third of Edward’s large army.
William’s service, loyalty, and ability, made him even more important during the second half of Edward IV's
reign.
Edward died in 1483 and there followed a period of turmoil. After Edward’s death Hastings supported Richard
Duke of Gloucester's formal installation as Lord Protector and collaborated with him in the royal council but
later that year Richard accused Hastings of having conspired against him. Hastings was immediately
beheaded in the courtyard of the Tower of London.