Wars of the Roses

Start of the War

May 22, 1455

On this date the Wars of the Roses started with the First Ballte of St Albans in England. This was a very short war, only lasting and hour, and started in a small street. The number of people wounded and killed was very small, most nobles and knights who stayed to fight.

Battle of Northampton

Jul 10, 1460

During the Battle of Northampton, the Yorkish army captured King Henry. Warwick was set in defensive and at two o' clock the Yorkish advanced. The rain blowing in their faces did not only make it harder, it also made the cannons useless. Once the Yorkish has access to the Lancastrian camp, the battle only lasted thirty minutes longer. The Landasters fled and the Yorkish captured the King.

King Edward IV

Mar 4, 1461

Edward of York, who was born on April 28, 1442, was declared King Edward IV in London on March 4, 1461. King Edward IV had three sons, seven daughters, and four illegitimate children. On April 9, 1483 at the age of 40 years, 11 months, and 11 days King Edward IV died. He was buried at Windsor. He reigned for 21 years, 5 months, and 18 days.

Readeption of Henry VI

Oct 3, 1470

On October 3, 1470 Henry Vi was restored to the throne of England. Edward, Earl of March, had taken the throne as Henry VI when Henry VI ran with some Lancastrians to the North of England or in Scotland. Even when Henry VI again took the throne he needed help because by this point he was too mentally feeble. His return did not last long, because on May 21 Edward VI entered Londoned and killed Henry VI.

Battle of Barnet

Apr 14, 1471

During the Battle of Barnet on April 14, 1471 Warwick was killed, making this one of the most important battles of the Wars of the Roses. Warwick's borther, Montagu, was also killed during that battle, and Duke of Exeter was also wounded almost to death.

Prisoner in London

Apr 15, 1471

King Henry VI was taken prisoner in the Tower of London on April 15, 1471.

Battle of Tewkesbury

May 4, 1471

On the same day that Warwick was slain at Barnet, Queen Margaret landed in England. However, she still was convinced she should continue her advance. She learned Edward was marching against her, however, she continued forward with more reinforcements. During the battle, Queen Margeret was taken prisoner and her son either fell during battle or was put to death right after the battle.

Prisoners

May 5, 1471

On May 5, 1471 Queen Margaret and Anne Neville are taken by King Edward IV as prisoners.

Death of King Henry VI

May 22, 1471

After winning the previous battle, King Henry rode triumphantly up to London. Queen Margaret went up to the tower where her husband was being held prisoner. King Henry also went up to the tower and that night King Henry VI died. Most people believe he was murdered but no one actually knows how he died that night.

Death of King Edward IV

Apr 9, 1483

King Edward IV died April 9, 1483 at Westminster. King Edward IV was the Yorish King from 4 March 1461 to 3 October 1470 until he died at Westminster.

Edward V coronation

Jun 16, 1483

On June 16, 1483 Edward V's coronation was cancelled.

Illegitimate Princes

Jun 25, 1483

The two princes Edward V and Richard, Duke of York were declared illegitimate by Parliament. Later on their uncle and Protector were declared the true king.

New King

Jun 26, 1483

After Parliament declared the two little princes to be illegitimate Richard, Duke of Gloucester was declared King Richard III.

Sudden Death

Apr 9, 1484

Edward of Middleham, who was the only son of King Richard III of England, died suddenly. Still no one knows the reason of his death, it was very sudden and nothing shows a cause of death.

Battle of Bosworth

Aug 22, 1485

This was the last battle of the Wars of the Roses where King Richard III was killed. The battle only lasted two hours that started with a cannon fire, however, eventually turned into hand-to-hand combat. Oxford pushed his men back some distance up the hill because of the all out attack. Oxford was pushed back, however, determined, Oxford took out Richard's 2,500 men one-by-one until ending the last battle of the Wars of Roses.