Battle of Nibley Green facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Nibley Green
View towards NW from the Tyndale Monument on Nibley Knoll. Nibley Green is a mile beyond the church of North Nibley. Berkeley Castle is 4 miles NW, with the River Severn 2 miles beyond. Wotton-under-Edge is 1 mile behind the viewing position.
Date 20 March 1470 Location North Nibley, Gloucestershire Result Berkeley victory
Belligerents
Retainers of Viscount Lisle	Retainers and friends of Lord Berkeley
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Talbot, 2nd Viscount Lisle  †	William Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley
Strength
1,000	1,000

The Battle of Nibley Green was a fight that happened near North Nibley in Gloucestershire, England, on March 20, 1470. It was a clash between the private armies of two powerful noblemen: Thomas Talbot, 2nd Viscount Lisle and William Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley. This battle is special because it was the last time in England that two private armies of noble families fought each other.

Why Did They Fight?

A Long-Standing Family Dispute

Viscount Lisle and Lord Berkeley had been arguing for a long time. Their disagreement was about who should inherit Berkeley Castle and the surrounding lands. Lisle believed he was the rightful heir through the female line (heir-general). Berkeley, however, claimed the lands through the male line (heir-male).

A Challenge Accepted

Lisle, feeling impatient, challenged Berkeley to a battle. Berkeley quickly agreed, and they decided to fight the very next day at Nibley Green. This quick decision turned out to be a big mistake for Lisle.

Gathering Their Forces

Lisle had very little time to prepare. He could only gather a small group of his local tenants, who were not well-equipped for battle.

Berkeley, on the other hand, had more resources. He brought soldiers from Berkeley Castle. He also had local people join him. His younger brother, Maurice Berkeley, 3rd Baron Berkeley, brought more fighters. Miners from the Forest of Dean also joined Berkeley's side. This gave Berkeley a big advantage in numbers, with about 1,000 men compared to Lisle's 300.

Support from Bristol

Some men also came from Bristol to help Berkeley. These men were sent by Philip Mede, a powerful merchant and former mayor of Bristol. Philip Mede's daughter, Isabel, was married to Maurice Berkeley.

The Battle Begins

Lisle's Charge

Viscount Lisle bravely led his men in a charge. They attacked Berkeley's troops as they came out of a group of trees.

Archers Turn the Tide

Berkeley's soldiers included many skilled archers. They shot a volley of arrows, which broke up Lisle's charge. One archer, known as "Black Will" from the Forest of Dean, aimed carefully. He shot an arrow that hit Lisle in the left temple, right through his open helmet visor.

Lisle's Defeat

The arrow knocked Lisle off his horse. A few archers quickly finished him off with daggers. With their leader dead, Lisle's army lost hope and ran away.

What Happened Next?

Sacking of Wotton-under-Edge

After Lisle's army scattered, Lord Berkeley marched to Lisle's manor house. This was at Wotton-under-Edge, a nearby town. Berkeley's forces then looted and destroyed the manor.