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Wars of the Roses

Wars of the Roses

Never, since the Battle of Hastings (1066), has a period in English history had such a profound effect on the succession to the English throne.

Simply - the Wars of the Roses was a civil war, fought amongst the aristocracy and nobility of the two feuding Houses of Lancaster and York.  Both Houses were descended from King Edward III of England.

The origins of the Wars began with King Henry VI of England's succession.  Initially, Henry VI succeeded as a minor and thus for the duration of his minority (1422 - 1437), the regency was held in the hands of nobles.  The most notable of these were Henry VI's uncles.

However, when Henry VI came of age, his personal rule began.  Unfortunately, Henry VI was not a particularly stable ruler.  He suffered bouts of insanity and England was ruled by a succession of "Protectors", the most notable being Richard, Duke of York.

Henry VI's formidable wife Margaret of Anjou sought to establish herself as regent during Henry's frequent "illnesses" - which brought her into conflict with those who sought to control the King for their own purposes.

And so, for the next 25 years, the two Houses of Lancaster and York fought it out amongst themselves (and their supporters) for the throne of England.  Ultimately, it would be neither House which would succeed - it would be the House of Tudor that would claim the greatest of all prizes.

There are a number of excellent websites dedicated to a more detailed coverage of people and events:

 

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Article added: 2007-03-05 @ 2:12 am

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