BOSWORTH

BATTLE OF.—This battle was the thirteenth and last, between the houses of York and Lancaster.—Fought August 22nd, 1485. The crown of Richard III was found in a hawthorn bush, on the plain where the battle was fought, and so eager was Henry of Richmond to be crowned, that he had the ceremony performed on the very spot, with that very crown. “Richard advanced to meet his rival as far us the town of Bosworth. Henry, who had been joined by some of the Stanleys, and whose army now counted six you sand men, had reached the neighbouring town of Atherton. Next morning, the 22nd of August, 1485, both armies were set in battle-array on the moor called Red more. Richard was dismayed when he saw the Stanleys opposed to him; but he soon displayed his wonted courage. Observing part of his troops inactive and others wavering, he resolved to make one desperate effort and conquer or fall, and crying out “Treason, treason!” and giving his horse the spurs, he rushed to where he saw Richmond. He killed his standard-bearer and made a furious stroke at Henry himself, which was warded off by Sir William Stanley, and Richard was thrown from his horse and slain. Lord Stanley taking up the crown which he wore, placed it on the head of Richmond, and shouts of “Long live King Henry!” were instantly raised all over the field. The lo on Richard’s side in this decisive battle was three hundred, that on Henry’s only one hundred men. The body of Richard was stripped, and being thrown acro a horse, was conveyed to Leicester and there interred, and many years after his coffin could be seen used as a horse-trough.” “ Sic transit gloria mundi. ” BOULOGNE.— France. —Taken by the British in 1542, restored 1550—attacked by Lord Nelson, who disabled ten ve els and sunk five, August 3rd, 1801. In another attempt he was repulsed with great lo , August 18th, following. The flotilla of Boulogne consisted of 160,000 men and 10,000 horses, with 1300 ve els and 17,000 sailors. Napoleon attempted by it to invade England, but could not succeed, and at last gave up the idea.