The Battle of Bosworth
By Paul Parker

On the 22nd of August 1485, the forces of King Richard III and Henry Tudor clashed in a bloody battle upon the rolling plains not far from Ambion Hill, the site of King Richard's encampment.
In a desperate attempt to put an end to the usurper's challenge, Richard and his cavalry spurred on their horses. They thundered across the plain down into the main bodyguard of Henry Tudor, striking down such knights as William Brandon who was Henry's standard bearer and the mighty Sir John Cheney.
Richard might have reached his goal but for the treachery of Sir William Stanley, whose cavalry smashed into Richard's flank. In an act of treason so terrible it is still remembered to this day, the King was unhorsed and fought bravely with sword and axe in hand.
Surrounded by usurpers the King was struck to the ground and this ended the reign of the Plantagenets and gave birth to the new dynasty.
Henry Tudor was crowned upon what is known today as Crown Hill near to Stoke Golding. Henry finally received his prize, the crown of Good King Richard and the throne of England.


Lyrics:

Two thousand Frenchmen were in on the kill
In the fields and the lands under Ambion Hill
The land was wet and the going was rough
As the shot and the arrow rained down from above

The bright coloured banners drift in the breeze
Soldiers lay dying cut down to their knees
The rush of the arrow like rain from the sky
The slash of the sword and the fierce battle cries

Treason..... Fields of Treason

The men of the dragon soon turned the tide
As Stanley joined Henry and moved to his side
Then Richard the King led his cavalry in
With long swords and lances they charged on and on

Then Sir William Brandon breathed his last breath
As King Richard's lance struck him deep in the chest
The red dragon standard was boldly struck down
But Henry and Stanley still held their ground

Treason..... Fields of Treason

Halberds and axes clanging like bells
The English and Welsh like trees they were felled
Stanley's betrayal of Richard the King
Brought shadow and darkness over the land

The King was unhorsed as he fought in the fray
Trying to turn that ill-fated day
Brave English soldiers fell all around
As Henry Tudor stole Richard's crown

Treason..... Fields of Treason

King Richard's body was battered and torn
Strapped to his saddle and slung on his horse
Carried to Leicester there to be shown
And now Henry Tudor claims Richard's throne

Remember King Richard and all of his men
Who once spilled their blood on marsh field and fen
Shrouded in mystery, clouded in lies
Over the years we still hear them cry

Treason..... Fields of Treason