The Wars of the Roses: A Simple Breakdown

The Wars of the Roses took place between 1455 and 1487. They were a tough fight for the English throne, mainly between the Lancaster and York families. This battle helped bring the Tudor family to power.

Background of the Wars

• House of Lancaster:

  • They represented the red rose.
  • They were related to King John of Gaunt, who was the son of King Edward III.
  • Important people were King Henry VI and his wife, Margaret of Anjou.

• House of York:

  • Symbolized by the white rose.
  • They came from Edward III’s second son, Lionel of Antwerp.
  • Key figures included Richard, Duke of York, and his son, Edward IV.

Key Events

1. Starting the Conflict (1455):

   • The wars kicked off with the First Battle of St Albans.
   • The Yorkists won and this marked the beginning of many battles and changes in power.

2. Important Battles:

   • Towton (1461):
     • One of the biggest battles with about 50,000 soldiers.
     • Yorkists won, and Edward IV became king.
   • Barnet (1471):
     • A major battle where Edward IV defeated the Lancastrians.
     • Richard, Duke of Norfolk, died here, which strengthened Edward’s rule.
   • Tewkesbury (1471):
     • Another win for the Yorkists.
     • Prince Edward (son of Henry VI) died, which nearly ended the Lancastrian claim.

3. Ending the Conflict (1487):

   • The wars ended when Henry Tudor (Henry VII) lost at the Battle of Stoke Field.
   • This marked the fall of Yorkist power and the start of the Tudor dynasty.

Impact on the Tudor Dynasty

• Henry Tudor (Henry VII):

  • A Lancaster from the family, he became a peace symbol after years of war.
  • He claimed his right to the throne through his mother and won the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 against Richard III.

• Bringing Together:

  • Henry VII united the two families by marrying Elizabeth of York.
  • This created a single Tudor rose, which showed the end of the fighting and the start of a new royal family.

The Numbers Behind the Wars

• Casualties:

  • Many lives were lost, with estimates ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 deaths over 32 years.
  • This loss made people want peace and stability.

• Political Chaos:

  • There were many changes in leadership, making it hard to govern.
  • Between 1461 and 1485, England had five different kings: Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III, Henry VI, and Henry VII.

In Summary

The Wars of the Roses played a crucial role in changing England’s political scene in the late 1400s. The struggles weakened the old systems of power and left people feeling unsure. This opened the door for a new government under the Tudors. Henry VII ended the wars with his military victories and smart marriages and set the stage for a dynasty that would shape England for years. The Tudor reign also marked the start of the Renaissance in England, leading to great advancements in culture, exploration, and rule.