«Вепрь, грифон и розы»: поведение Генриха VII и Ричарда III на поле боя в зеркале средневековых военных трактатов

Средние века. 2025. № 86(3). С. 93–118.

Ерназаров К. Ф.

This article examines the battlefield behavior of English kings Richard III and Henry VII Tudor during the Battles of Bosworth (1485) and Stoke Field (1487), placing it within the context of medieval military theory. Drawing on a wide range of sources including chronicles, ballads, diplomatic correspondence, and military treatises, the author explores whether the monarchs’ conduct was influenced not only by political and strategic cir cumstances but also by contemporary military literature, such as the works of Vegetius and Christine de Pizan. Henry VII is portrayed as a ruler who deliberately avoided direct combat, delegating command to the experienced general John de Vere, Earl of Oxford. In contrast, Richard III adopted a more personal and active role in battle, ultimately leading to his death. The article suggests that these differing approaches to battlefield leadership may reflect their familiarity with distinct military treatises, which conveyed divergent ideals of kingship, knighthood, and command.

Keywords: военная история, military history, Military leadership, Military treatises, Кристина де Пизан, Christine de Pizan, военное лидерство, военные трактаты, рыцарство, Henry VII, Richard III, Battle of Bosworth, Battle of Stoke Field, Wars of the Roses, John de Vere, Vegetius, medieval warfare, chivalry, Ричард III, битва при Босворте, битва при Стоук-Филде, Войны Роз, Джон де Вер, Вегеций, Генрих VII