On 12 October1459, Sir Andrew Trollope, who commanded the Calais contingent, defected to the King when offered a pardon, bringing with him his men and much information on York's army and plans. York was outnumbered by more than three to one. That evening York, his two sons, along with Warwick and Salisbury fled to Calais and Ireland from a battle that could not be won. Finding themselves leaderless next morning, the Yorkists disbanded leaving the Lancastrian army free to plunder the pro-York town of Ludlow, which lay just over the bridge.
1 Briefly joined the Lancastrians. 2 Briefly joined the Yorkists. 3 Defected from the Yorkist to the Lancastrian cause. 4 Initially a Yorkist who later supported the Tudor claim. 5 Initially a Lancastrian who later supported the Tudor claim.