THE single most bloody day of combat ever contested by Britain’s armed forces will be in focus in Ilkley on Saturday.

Local historian and Towton Battlefield Society member, Christopher Murphy, will tell Ilkley and District U3A about the Battle of Towton ­— fought near Tadcaster on Palm Sunday, March 29, 1461.

A graduate in history from the University of Sheffield, Mr Murphy has a life-long interest in military history and the battles, conflicts and clashes fought within the late medieval British Isles. The 30 years of the Wars of the Roses are his particular passion as they marked the end of the Plantagenets and rise of the Tudors.

The talk will take place in the Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, Ilkley. Refreshments are served from 10am and it is open to all U3A members. Entry £1.

For more information on joining Ilkley U3A, visit ilkleyu3a.org, or drop into KIVCA, Riddings Hall, Riddings Road, on the first Friday of the month from 10.30am-noon.

New members are always welcome from those in the ‘third age of life’, who are retired, unwaged or work part-time.