Notes on the Wars of the Roses Lecture

Introduction

• Sponsored by Captivating History
• Refers to the 15th-century conflict for the English throne
• Involvement of two royal lines: House of Lancaster and House of York
• Compared to the Game of Thrones, inspiration for George R.R. Martin's books

Background

• Term "Wars of the Roses" coined long after the actual events
• Symbolized by the white rose (York) and red rose (Lancaster)
  • First Duke of York: Edmund of Langley (white rose)
  • First Duke of Lancaster: John Gaunt (red rose)

Nature of the Conflict

• Series of small battles, executions, plots, and intrigues
• Lasted 32 years with numerous family feuds and changes of allegiance
• Perception of divine right to rule led to conflicts over succession
• Military service could be summoned by estate owners, widening the pool of contenders for the throne

Key Players and Events

• House of Lancaster ruling at the war's onset
• King Henry VI: Seen as incompetent; ruled from infancy
• Richard, Duke of York: Ambitious rival of Henry VI

Early Conflicts

• Death of Henry VI's father in 1422 led to a ruling council before Henry came of age
• England's lost Hundred Years' War against France in 1453 affected Henry's mental state
• Richard, Duke of York pushed for power after Henry's incapacitation
• Key Battles:
  • May 22, 1455: Richard defeats Edmund Beaufort, sparking the wars
  • 1459: Richard defeated at Ludford Bridge by Queen Margaret
  • July 1460: Edward, Richard's son, defeats Queen Margaret
  • December 1460: Richard killed at the Battle of Wakefield

Rise of Edward IV

• Edward, Richard’s son, wins at the Battle of Towton in March 1461
• Becomes the first Yorkist king, ruling for 9 years
• 1470: Earl of Warwick turns against Edward IV, reinstating Henry VI
• 1471: Edward regains throne at Barnet and Tewksbury
• Aftermath included the murder of Henry VI and continued suppression of disloyal nobles

Shift in Power

• Edward IV dies suddenly at 41, leaving a young son
• Richard, Duke of Gloucester: Edward's brother, seeks the throne
• Young prince and brother become known as the Princes in the Tower
• Richard crowned as King Richard III in 1483

Downfall of Richard III

• Henry Tudor emerges as a challenger for the throne
• Allies with discontented factions and the new King of France
• Battle of Bosworth Field (August 1485): Richard III defeated and killed
  • Notable betrayals of Richard's allies
  • His body displayed and buried in Leicester after his death

Conclusion and Aftermath

• Wars officially ended in 1486 with Henry VII marrying Elizabeth of York
• Formation of the Tudor Rose symbolizing unity
• Final conflicts: Battle of Stokefield in July 1487 considered by some historians as the last of the Wars of Roses
• Henry VII's approach: pardoning Yorkists, weakening them financially

Further Reading

• Recommended book: "The Wars of the Roses, A Capital War"
• Availability in e-book, paperback, and audiobook formats
• Free mythology bundle e-book available

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