Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509

This topic covers the turbulent period from the deposition of Richard II in 1399 to the death of Henry VII in 1509, a century marked by dynastic conflict, political instability, and the eventual establishment of the Tudor dynasty. You will explore the causes and consequences of the Wars of the Roses, the struggle for power between the houses of Lancaster and York, and the consolidation of royal authority under Henry VII. Key themes include the nature of kingship, the role of the nobility, and the impact of war and rebellion on English society.

Understanding this period is crucial because it shaped the modern British state. The Wars of the Roses ended with Henry Tudor's victory at Bosworth (1485), leading to the Tudor dynasty that would dominate the 16th century. Henry VII's reign laid the foundations for strong monarchy, financial stability, and diplomatic independence, which his son Henry VIII would later exploit. The period also illustrates how personal ambition, feudal loyalties, and weak governance can plunge a kingdom into chaos, offering timeless lessons about power and leadership.

This topic fits within the broader Edexcel A-Level course as a study of change and continuity. It connects to earlier medieval themes (e.g., the Hundred Years' War) and later Tudor topics (e.g., Reformation, Elizabethan England). You will need to analyse sources critically, evaluate interpretations, and construct arguments about causation, significance, and the nature of authority. Mastery of this period will also help you understand the origins of key constitutional and political developments in England.