Wars of the Roses

Flashcards about the Wars of the Roses

Wars of the Roses

Dynastic civil wars in English history (1455-85) between the houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne.

Lancaster and York

The houses that fought for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses.

White Rose

Symbol of the House of York.

Red Rose

Symbol of the House of Lancaster.

Henry IV

He took the throne in 1399 and started the Lancastrian rule.

Henry V

He died in 1422, leading to a factious minority rule under Henry VI.

Henry VI

He was king from August 1422 to November 1437, during whose minority the kingdom was managed by the king's council.

King's Council

An aristocratic body that managed the English kingdom during Henry VI's minority.

Richard, 3rd Duke of York

He became the head of a great baronial league between 1450 and 1460.

Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick

Nephew of Richard, Duke of York, and a powerful man with many adherents.

Baronial Clique

Installed York as protector of the realm in 1453 when Henry VI lapsed into insanity.

Margaret of Anjou

Queen of Henry VI, whose party's mismanagement led to the deterioration of the English position in France.