1460 facts for kids

The year 1460 was a time of important changes and events, especially in Europe. Explorers were sailing to new lands, and powerful leaders were making big decisions that shaped countries. In England, a major conflict known as the Wars of the Roses was heating up, leading to battles and changes in who would rule the country.

Important Events of 1460

European Exploration and Treaties

• In 1460, brave Portuguese explorers, also called navigators, reached the coast of what is now Sierra Leone in West Africa. This was part of a larger effort by Portugal to explore new sea routes and expand their trade.

• On March 5, Christian I of Denmark, who was the King of Denmark, made an important declaration. He announced that two areas, Schleswig and Holstein, would be united. These two regions have been treated as one since then, even though they sometimes belonged to different countries.

• A day later, on March 6, a special agreement called the Treaty of Alcacovas was signed. In this treaty, Portugal gave the Canary Islands to Castile (which is now part of Spain). In return, Portugal received rights to explore and claim lands in West Africa. This agreement helped to settle who had control over different parts of the world.

The Wars of the Roses in England

The year 1460 was a very important time during the Wars of the Roses in England. This was a series of battles between two powerful families, the House of Lancaster (who used a red rose as their symbol) and the House of York (who used a white rose). They were fighting over who should be the King of England.

Key Battles and Leadership Changes

• In June, two important leaders from the Yorkist side, the Earl of Warwick and Edward, Earl of March, arrived in England with an army. Edward was the oldest son of the Duke of York, a main leader of the Yorkists. They successfully took control of London, the capital city.

• On July 18, a major battle took place near Northampton. This was the Battle of Northampton. The Yorkist army, led by Warwick and Edward, won a big victory against the Lancastrian army. They even captured King Henry VI, who was the Lancastrian king. After this battle, it was agreed that the Duke of York would become King Henry's heir, meaning he would be the next king. This decision meant that King Henry's own son, Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales, would not become king.

• However, the fighting was not over. On December 30, another important battle happened, called the Battle of Wakefield. In this battle, a Lancastrian army, led by Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset and Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, defeated the Yorkist army. Sadly, the Duke of York and his son, Edmund, Earl of Rutland, were both killed. Edmund was murdered after the battle. After this loss, the Duke of York's other son, Edward, became the new leader of the Yorkist side.