content_output-053_4 (Q6259)

In the Wars of the Roses cannon were but little used; the Lancastrians had them in the field at Northampton, but, owing to the heavy rain, could not use them. At the taking of Bamborough Castle several were employed, and these were of different sizes—some of iron, others of brass—but the Yorkists did not wish to destroy the castle, but to take it whole and keep it for King Edward. For the siege of Harlech Castle a large cannon was requisitioned. It was brought specially from Calais, and had done good service in France, but it burst at Harlech—probably because overloaded in order to obtain the range required.