The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

The Wars of the Roses (1450–1499) were a series of dynastic civil wars fought between the rival houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. The conflict arose from the weak and unstable reign of Henry VI, whose mental incapacity and ineffective governance allowed noble factions to vie for power. Key battles such as St Albans (1455), Towton (1461), and Bosworth (1485) punctuated decades of shifting allegiances, betrayals, and short-lived monarchs. The period ended with Henry Tudor's victory at Bosworth, establishing the Tudor dynasty and ushering in a new era of strong centralised monarchy.

This topic is crucial for understanding the evolution of English kingship and the decline of medieval baronial power. It illustrates how weak leadership, financial mismanagement, and over-mighty subjects can destabilise a realm. The Wars of the Roses also set the stage for the Tudor consolidation of power, including the establishment of the Court of Star Chamber and the break with Rome. For AQA A-Level students, this period offers rich material for analysing causation, the role of individuals, and the interplay between social, economic, and political factors.

Within the broader AQA A-Level History specification, this topic sits under 'The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499' (Component 2B). It connects to themes of authority, rebellion, and the changing nature of monarchy. Students are expected to evaluate interpretations of key figures like Richard III and Henry VII, and to assess the relative importance of long-term structural factors versus short-term triggers. Mastery of this period also provides a foundation for understanding the early Tudor period and the Reformation.