Warwick, having in late September crossed over…
October 1459 CE
Warwick, having in late September crossed over to England, makes his way north to Ludlow, to meet up with Salisbury—fresh off his victory over Lancastrians at the battle of Blore Heath—and York.
The Yorkists march towards Worcester, quickly falling back to a fortified position at Ludford Bridge in Shropshire after encountering a much larger Lancastrian force.
Sir Andrew Trollope, who commands the Calais contingent, on October 12, 1459, defects to the King when offered a pardon, bringing with him his men and much information on York's army and plans.
The majority of the soldiers as it turns out are still reluctant to raise arms against the king.
York and his two sons, along with Warwick and Salisbury, in the evening flee from a battle that cannot be won.
The Yorkists, finding themselves leaderless next morning and now outnumbered three to one, disband, leaving the Lancastrian army free to plunder the pro-York town of Ludlow, which lies just over the bridge.