Spanning three decades, the War of the Roses was a civil conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York that left a lasting mark on England, ultimately reshaping society and leading to shifts in the monarchy. In this article, we explore the key events and battles that unfolded during this violent battle for the English throne!
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The infamous War of the Roses engulfed England in the late 15th century and was primarily driven by a long-running dispute over control of the English throne between two cadet branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Several major factors sparked the eruption of the War of the Roses. Firstly, the mental illness of King Henry VI had a destabilising effect on Lancastrian rule, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and discontent. Secondly, political opposition formed around Richard of York, who held a strong claim to the throne and represented growing disapproval of court corruption and mismanagement under Henry VI. Thirdly, Henry VI's inability to assert control over feuding nobles further eroded central authority and the rule of law, allowing rivalries among noble houses to deepen.
Moreover, the economic strain resulting from the loss of French territories placed a significant burden on the people, intensifying their discontent. The strong opposition led by Henry VI's assertive wife, Margaret of Anjou, in contesting Richard of York's claim deepened divisions and heightened tensions as well, ultimately laying the groundwork for the lengthy and brutal conflict that came to be known as the War of the Roses.
