The War of the Roses was a series of civil wars fought in England between the houses of Lancaster and York. The conflict, which lasted from 1455 to 1485, was named after the symbols of the two houses - the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York.

The two main branches of the royal Plantagenet family, the houses of Lancaster and York, both had strong claims to the English throne. The war was sparked by a power struggle between the two houses, with each vying for control of the crown. The Lancastrians were represented by King Henry VI and his supporters, while the Yorkists were led by Richard, Duke of York.

One of the key battles of the War of the Roses was the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, where Henry Tudor, a Lancastrian claimant to the throne, defeated King Richard III of the Yorkist house. This victory marked the end of the war and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty, which united the houses of Lancaster and York through the marriage of Henry Tudor to Elizabeth of York.

If you want to learn more about the houses that fought in the War of the Roses, you can visit the following websites for additional information:

• History Extra - War of the Roses Facts and Battles
• Encyclopedia Britannica - Wars of the Roses
• Tudor Tutor - War of the Roses

Overall, the War of the Roses was a pivotal moment in English history that shaped the future of the country and led to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty. The conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York left a lasting impact on England and is still studied and remembered today.

Sign Up