The Wars of the Roses took place from 1455 to 1487. They were a series of civil wars in England. The main fight was between two families: the Lancasters and the Yorks. These battles had a big impact on who ruled England later on, especially for the Tudor family.

Key Battles

1. Battle of St. Albans (1455)

   • This was the first battle, and the Yorks won.
   • Around 300 people lost their lives.

2. Battle of Towton (1461)

   • This was the largest and bloodiest battle. The Yorks, led by Edward IV, won.
   • About 20,000 men died.

3. Battle of Tewkesbury (1471)

   • This battle was the last major one in this stage of the wars. The Yorks defeated the Lancasters soundly.
   • Prince Edward, the heir to the Lancaster side, died.

4. Battle of Bosworth (1485)

   • This battle ended the Wars of the Roses. Henry Tudor (later known as Henry VII) defeated Richard III.
   • Richard III was killed, and around 3,000 men died on his side, while Henry had between 5,000 and 6,000 men.

Consequences for the Tudors

• Start of the Tudor Family: Henry VII's win at the Battle of Bosworth started the Tudor family rule, bringing an end to years of fighting.

• Strengthening the Crown: Henry VII made changes to help stabilize the monarchy, which means he worked to make royal power stronger and reduce fights among nobles.

• Marriage Union: Henry VII married Elizabeth of York. This marriage symbolized the peace between the two fighting families, making the Tudor claim to the throne stronger.

In summary, the Wars of the Roses changed the way England was ruled and set the stage for the lasting influence of the Tudor family.