War+of+Roses

 War of the Roses   The war was a conflict of who ruled England between the houses of York and Lancaster in 1955. It was called the War of the Roses because of the rose symbol for each house: the white rose (York) and the red rose (Lancaster).

It started when Henry VI from the Lancaster house became king, a weak king who let the French win the hundred year war, could not control his nobles and had periods of insanity. Parliament gave Richard, Duke of York, rule because of Henry’s incompetence. Nobles, led by Henry’s wife, opposed Richards rule. So York and Lancaster gathered their supporters and fought. Henry was forced to flee to Scotland and Richard of York’s son, Edward, was crowned Edward IV.

Edward IV ruled for 22 years (1461-1483) and his 12 year-old son Edward V inherited the throne. But, before he could be crowned, his uncle Richard declared himself king, few opposed his rule and was named Richard the III.York house’s choice for king was Henry Tudor.He buil won the Battle of Bosworth and was crowned King HenryVII. He joined the families by marrying Elizabeth of York.