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In the late 1400's the House of York fought the House of Lancaster
for the English crown. Because Lancaster's heraldic badge
was a red rose and York's was a white rose, the long conflict came to be known
as the Wars of the Roses (1455 - 85).
The wars started when the nobles of York rose against Henry VI of Lancaster who was a feeble ruler. Edward IV, of York, replaced Henry as king. Later, Henry again became king, but lost his crown once more to Edward after the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. The Yorkists held power until Richard III lost his throne to the Lancastrian Henry Tudor. Henry Tudor married into the House of York. This personal union ended the conflict, and a new famous dynasty, the Tudors, emerged. |