plaque · Coventry
Near
This plaque commemorates a significant historical event that was scheduled to take place at Gosford Green during the reign of King Richard II. It marks the intended location of a trial by combat between two powerful figures: the Duke of Hereford, who would later become King Henry IV, and Thomas Mowbray, the Duke of Norfolk. Hereford had accused Mowbray of treasonous statements, and the custom of the time allowed Mowbray to demand single combat to clear his name. The plaque therefore notes a moment of high drama and political tension in late medieval England.
The incident commemorated by the plaque, a trial by combat involving high-ranking nobles, reflects the legal and social customs of medieval England. During this period, disputes of honour and accusations of treason could be settled through such duels, with the belief that divine judgment would reveal the truth. King Richard II's intervention in this specific case, banning both parties from the realm rather than allowing the combat to proceed, was a dramatic exercise of royal authority. These events ultimately contributed to the volatile political climate that led to Richard II's deposition and Henry IV's ascension to the throne.
The plaque is located in Coventry at Gosford Green, marking a specific historical site within the city. Visitors to Gosford Green can find the plaque near the spot where the wager of battle was intended to occur. The green itself is an open area accessible to the public, offering a reflective space to consider the historical events that unfolded there. There are no specific restrictions for visiting, allowing individuals to approach the plaque respectfully at their convenience.
Inscription
“Near this spot in the reign of Richard II in September 1398 (September 1397 according to local history) a wager of battle was to have been fought between the Duke of Hereford (afterwards Henry IV) and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. Hereford had imputed treasonable utterances to Mowbray, who demanded the privilege of acquitting himself by single combat. The King consented, and came to Coventry in great state to preside but when the combatants presented themselves on the field His Majesty stopped the encounter and pronounced degree of banishment: Hereford for ten years (afterwards remitting four years) and Mowbray for life. Mayor Mr Richard Clarke.”
Background
Near this spot in the reign of Richard II in September 1398 (September 1397 according to local history) a wager of battle was to have been fought between the Duke of Hereford (afterwards Henry IV) and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. Hereford had imputed treasonable utterances to Mowbray, who demanded the privilege of acquitting himself by single combat. The King consented, and came to Coventry in great state to preside but when the combatants presented themselves on the field His Majesty stopped the encounter and pronounced degree of banishment: Hereford for ten years (afterwards remitting four years) and Mowbray for life. Mayor Mr Richard Clarke.
Source: Open Plaques. Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.