Wars of the roses

War of the Roses (English Civil War)

By abigail723
  • 1377

    Edward III dies

    Richard II succeeds, at the age of 10. His uncle John of Gaunt ran the government given Richard's age
  • 1399

    Henry IV becomes King

    Richard II was very unpopular. Henry IV, son of John of Gaunt, takes over as ruler. Followed by his son, Henry V
  • 1422

    King Henry V dies

    His son, Henry VI, only 9 months old, becomes King. But his uncle Charles takes over until Henry VI comes of age to rule
  • 1453

    King Henry VI breakdown

    French territory was lost in 1453. He had a mental breakdown, becoming unresponsive for a year
  • 1453

    Richard, Duke of York

    A descendant of Edward III. During Henry VI's breakdown, Richard manages to get himself appointed ruler in the meantime
  • 1454

    King Henry VI reassumes control

    King Henry VI comes around and regains control. This displeases Richard and his supporters, the Yorkists
  • 1455

    Declaration of War

    Richard and the Yorkists said he had better rights to the throne given his line comes from an older son of Edward III than Henry VI's line. Richard's line (second oldest son of Edward). Henry's line (3rd oldest)
  • May 22, 1455

    The Battle of St. Albans

    First battle between York (Richard) and Lancaster (Henry). After failed negotiations, Yorkists suddenly attacked and killed the King's Allies that Richard wanted gone. Captured King Henry
  • 1460

    Richard named successor

    Fighting resumed in 1459. York temporarily expelled from England but returns in 1460 and is named successor.
  • Dec 30, 1460

    Richard dies

    Killed in the Battle of Wakefield. Yorkists declare his son Edward as King Edward IV (now have two living kings)
  • Mar 29, 1461

    Battle of Towton

    Bloodiest battle. Lancastrians lost and wound up fleeing. King Henry VI retreats to Scotland and Edward IV takes control as King
  • 1464

    King Edward IV angers allies

    Secretly married Elizabeth Woodville (non-Yorkist) which angered most his allies. They went over to Lancaster side
  • 1470

    Henry VI named King

    A combined force invades England forcing Edward into exile. King Henry VI gets named King again but only in name. Edward IV would return in 6 months
  • May 4, 1471

    Battle of Tewkesbury

    King Edward IV and the Yorkists defeat the Lancastrians. King Henry VI's son is killed in battle
  • May 21, 1471

    End of Lancastrian line

    King Henry VI executed
  • Apr 9, 1483

    King Edward IV dies

    Passes away unexpectedly so his son, Edward V, inherits the throne
  • Jun 15, 1483

    Richard, Duke of Gloucester

    Younger brother of King Edward IV. Got himself declared Lord Protector. Put his nephews (King Edward V and brother) in the Tower of London never to be seen again
  • Jun 26, 1483

    King Richard III

    Richard, Duke of Gloucester, declares himself King
  • Aug 22, 1485

    Battle of Bosworth/Richard III death

    Henry Tudor, Lancaster cousin of Richard III, invades. King Richard III dies in battle
  • Aug 23, 1485

    King Henry VII/End of War

    Henry Tudor becomes King. Marries Elizabeth of York, bringing the York and Lancaster sides together. Establishes the Tudor line. Rose resembling the line is a mix of red and white