1.8.4

The Wars of the Roses

Test yourself

The Wars of the Roses

The Wars of the Roses took place between 1455 and 1487 AD. These battles were between two powerful families, Lancaster and York, who both wanted to rule England.

Illustrative background for Plantagenet familyIllustrative background for Plantagenet family ?? "content

Plantagenet family

  • The Wars of the Roses is one of the most famous conflicts in English history.
  • The Wars of the Roses was a fight between two branches of the royal Plantagenet family.
  • The two branches were the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Illustrative background for Key figuresIllustrative background for Key figures ?? "content

Key figures

  • The Wars of the Roses began in 1455 AD and lasted for over 30 years.
  • Both the House of Lancaster and the House of York wanted to take the English throne.
  • Important people in this conflict were:
    • Henry VI from the House of Lancaster
    • Edward IV from the House of York
Illustrative background for Battle of Towton in 1461Illustrative background for Battle of Towton in 1461 ?? "content

Battle of Towton in 1461

  • The Wars of the Roses included many battles.
    • These battles were often very bloody.
  • One of the most famous battles was the Battle of Towton in 1461 AD.
  • Henry VI was removed from power twice. When Henry VI was deposed, Edward IV took the throne.
Illustrative background for Henry TudorIllustrative background for Henry Tudor ?? "content

Henry Tudor

  • The Wars of the Roses ended with the rise of Henry Tudor.
  • Henry Tudor became King Henry VII.
  • Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 AD.
  • After winning, Henry Tudor united the two families by marrying Elizabeth of York.
    • Henry Tudor started the Tudor dynasty.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium