The First Battle of St Albans took place on May 22, 1455, marking the beginning of the Wars of the Roses. This conflict was fought between the forces of the Lancastrians, loyal to King Henry VI, and the Yorkists, led by Richard, Duke of York. The battle occurred in the town of St Albans, Hertfordshire, and was notable for its relatively small scale and the use of surprise tactics. The Yorkists achieved a decisive victory, capturing King Henry VI and gaining control of the government. This battle set the stage for a series of conflicts between the two factions, as both sides vied for power in England.