Losecote Field    -    12th March 1470

News of Edward coming into Lincolnshire with an army caused rumours to be spread (no doubt deliberately started) that, despite the general pardon that had been issued, the king was going to punish the rebels who had joined with Robin of Redesdale in 1469. Sir Robert Welles, Lord Welles' son, playing on these fears, raised the common people of Lincolnshire against Edward. At Huntingdon, Edward ordered Lord Welles to be brought to him. Welles confessed his part in raising the revolt, but did not mention Warwick's or Clarence's involvement. Edward ordered Lord Welles to write to his son, demanding his submission, and if he failed to comply, his father would be put to death.

On 11 March, Edward reached Fotheringhay. He soon received news that Warwick's forces and Welles' forces were heading for Leicester, and Edward would be caught between two enemy armies and cut off from London. On the following day Sir Robert turned his forces back; it appears he received the letter from his father. Edward, now more confident, headed for Stamford, and reached there the same time as Welles. Edward's scouts informed him that the rebels had moved five miles west of Stamford, and were lined up for battle. Edward also moved his forces into place.

After an initial barrage of cannon, Edward ordered his forces to charge. At this, the rebels broke and fled, pursued by Edward's men. Many of the men under Welles' command were wearing livery jackets of the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Clarence. As the men fled the field, they discarded these jackets, giving the battle the name "Losecoat".