The Wars of the Roses

 

The Wars of the Roses

 

 

 

 The Wars of the Roses were fought between two rival English noble families, the House of York and the House of Lancaster.  Both parties wanted to grab the English throne.

The two families were symbolized with two roses.

1.     The Yorkists            –          were the White Rose

2.     The Lancastrians     –          were the Red Rose

 

Background to the political turmoil

The reigning King Edward IV died leaving his 12 year old son as heir. He was crowned Edward V. His uncle, Richard of Gloucester came forth to advice and support him rule the country. But soon Edward V and his younger brother disappeared. Many people accused Richard of murdering the two boys.

Richard crowned himself as Richard III.

The Lancastrians who was longing for an opportunity to clip in to the linage saw this as the right time. They nominated Henry Tudor and called him back to England.

 

The Battle of Bosworth (1484)

·        This was the last battle of the Wars of the Roses fought between the Lancastrians and the Yorkists.

·        King Richard III anticipated the support of a rich and powerful noble family, the Stanleys.

·        Stanleys with 4000 men came to the battle field and stood aside undecided as to who to support as loyalty did not count for much that time and people often changed sides and favoured the winning party.

·        Sir Stanley’s support was extended to Lancastrians (the Tudors) as they showed signs of victory.

·        King Richard III fought bravely but finally was killed in the battle.

·        Stanley dismounted the crown from the dead king’s head and mounted it on Henry Tudor’s head.

·        Henry was then crowned, Henry VII of England.

·        He started the Tudor dynasty

·        Bosworth battle field is a preserved site today