Battle of Northampton (1460)

The Battle of Northampton 1460 was fought in the grounds of Delapré Abbey back in 1460, which presented a stark and bloody contrast to the site’s usual peace and tranquillity. In that battle of the Roses, the Lancastrians should have won but lost. They had a specially constructed artillery fort (guns had just been introduced into English warfare), the King and Queen of England along with the young Prince of Wales were among them to boost morale and a number of natural defences, such as tributaries and ditches, guarded their position. They lost because one of their leaders, Lord Grey of Ruthin, engaged in treachery, asking for the Yorkists’ support with a property dispute if he switched sides. His men dropped their weapons and allowed York to capture the King and win the day. Within three years, Baron Grey had become Lord Treasurer of England while the King he betrayed was languishing in the Tower.

Traitors are noble and thoughtful opponents if they happen to join your side from the ranks of enemies, but wicked turncoats if from your side they run. The ultimate traitor was Lucifer the Cherub, who rebelled against God, taking a great angelic host with him, setting up an alternative kingdom in which he occupied the throne and received the worship and honour due to God alone. At the reckoning, he shall pay for his treason; in the meantime, he delights to see humans, God’s image-bearers, rebel likewise. Thank God for the gospel, His means by which He graciously receives traitors and rebels back where they we're meant to be: in His will and part of His family.