that it was an act of treachery by one of their own commanders,
Somerset's men, who had hitherto been fighting with the greatest
bravery, fell into confusion. Edward's quick eye soon grasped the
opportunity, and rallying his troops he charged impetuously down
upon the Lancastrians, seconded hotly by Gloucester and his division.

The disorder in Somerset's lines speedily grew into a panic, and
the division broke up and fled through the lanes to the right
and left. Somerset, after in vain trying to stop the panic, rode
furiously back into the camp, followed by his principal officers,
and riding up to Lord Wenlock he cleft his head in two with a
battleaxe. His resentment, although justified by the inactivity of
this nobleman at such a crisis, was yet disastrous, as it left the
centre without a leader, and threw it into a state of disorganization,
as many must have supposed that Somerset had turned traitor and
gone over to the enemy. Before any disposition could be made,
Edward and Gloucester poured their forces into the camp, and the
Lancastrians at once broke and fled. Many of their leaders took
refuge in the church, an asylum which they deemed inviolable, and
which the Lancastrians had honourably respected in their hour of
triumph.

Among them were the Duke of Somerset, the Grand Prior of the Order
of St. John, Sir Humphrey Audely, Sir Gervis of Clifton, Sir William
Gainsby, Sir William Cary, Sir Henry Rose, Sir Thomas Tresham,
and seven esquires. Margaret of Anjou fell into the hands of the
victors. As to the fate of the young prince, accounts differ. Some
authorities say that he was overtaken and slain on the field, but
the majority related that he was captured and taken before Edward,
who asked him, "What brought you to England?" On his replying