WAR OF THE ROSES By: Samantha Huntley

What was it? A rivalry between supporters of two branches of the Royal House of Plantagenet. A rivalry between supporters of two branches of the Royal House of Plantagenet. It first began between two of Edward III’s younger sons, the Duke of Lancaster and the Duke of York. The wars eventually led to the death of four generations from the two rival houses. It first began between two of Edward III’s younger sons, the Duke of Lancaster and the Duke of York. The wars eventually led to the death of four generations from the two rival houses. The fighting between the two houses of Lancaster and York began in 1455 and ended in 1485 with the victory of a relatively distant Lancastrian relative, Henry Tudor, the Earl of Richmond. The fighting between the two houses of Lancaster and York began in 1455 and ended in 1485 with the victory of a relatively distant Lancastrian relative, Henry Tudor, the Earl of Richmond.

Background Although some encounters had occurred previously between supporters of York and Lancaster, the first open fighting broke out in 1455 at the First Battle of St. Albans. Several Prominent Lancastrians died but their heirs remained in a deep feud with Richard of York. Although some encounters had occurred previously between supporters of York and Lancaster, the first open fighting broke out in 1455 at the First Battle of St. Albans. Several Prominent Lancastrians died but their heirs remained in a deep feud with Richard of York. After a time of temporarily restored peace, the fighting resumed more violently in York was forced to flee the country, but one of his most prominent supporters, the Earl of Warwick, invaded England and captured Henry at the Battle of Northampton. York returned to England to become the Protector of England, but was persuaded against claiming the thrown. After a time of temporarily restored peace, the fighting resumed more violently in York was forced to flee the country, but one of his most prominent supporters, the Earl of Warwick, invaded England and captured Henry at the Battle of Northampton. York returned to England to become the Protector of England, but was persuaded against claiming the thrown.

Background Cont… Once York was killed at the end of 1460 his eldest son, Edward the Earl of Monarch, took the thrown as king Edward IV. The Lancastrians then advanced south and recaptured Henry at the Second Battle of St. Albans. Once York was killed at the end of 1460 his eldest son, Edward the Earl of Monarch, took the thrown as king Edward IV. The Lancastrians then advanced south and recaptured Henry at the Second Battle of St. Albans. Eventually a Lancastrian relative, Henry VII defeated Richard and was crowned. He then married Elizabeth of York, to unite and reconcile the two houses. Eventually a Lancastrian relative, Henry VII defeated Richard and was crowned. He then married Elizabeth of York, to unite and reconcile the two houses.

Name and Symbols The name “War of the Roses” is not thought to have been used during the time of the wars but had originated from the badges associated with the two royal houses, The White Rose of York and the Red Rose of Lancaster. The names of the rival houses have little to do with the cities of York and Lancaster, or the countries of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The lands of the Duke of Lancaster were often in Gloucestershire, North Wales and Cheshire, and the lands of the Duke of York were widespread throughout England, with many in Welsh Marches.

Effects Although historians still debate about the true extent of the conflict, there were many effects following the “War of the Roses” Although historians still debate about the true extent of the conflict, there were many effects following the “War of the Roses” –Changes to the established balance of power –Political upheavals –Collapse of the Plantagenet Dynasty –Weakening feudal power due to death among many nobility

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