Execution Essay: The War Of The Roses

The War of the Roses began in 1455 when Henry IV usurped the throne of England. The War of the Roses consisted of many bloody civil wars between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Both families believed they had right to the throne. In 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth, the Lancastrian division claimed victory. Henry Tudor became king due to the fact that many of the eligible candidates from the Yorkish and the Lancastrian houses were dead. He married Elizabeth, of Yorkish descent, therefore strengthening his right to the throne. The War of the Roses was a complicated series of battles over the throne of England. Henry IV murdered King Edward and became king. Descendants of Henry IV consisted of the House of Lancaster. The House

At the Battle of Bore Health, Richard defeated an army that Margaret organized. Margaret was Henry’s wife and still continued at attempting to gain the throne back for him. Again in 1459, Margaret and Henry gained an army of substantial size to face Richard. During the battle of Ludford Bridge, they drove Richard and his forces back, but Richard was not done harassing Henry and Margaret or their only son. In 1460, Warwick, who allied himself with Richard, forced Henry and Margaret to leave the country once more. Richard named himself Henry’s successor in which Henry agreed to as long as Henry was allowed to hold the throne until he died. Margaret did not like the idea of this because they had a son and raised another army. At the Battle of Wakefield, Richard wanted to settle this once and for all but he was murdered during the battle, his head being cut off. Richard’s son became king and in 1461, Edward confronted the Lancastrian army at the Battle of Towton and the York army prevailed forcing Henry, Margaret, and their son to flee the country. In 1470, Margaret out maneuvered Edward thus allowing henry to gain the throne once again, although this was not the last of Edward. He was able to muster an army and attacked the family, resulting in their only son being murdered and the couple being captured for the last time. In 1471, Henry died, and 11 years later Margaret died as well. When King Edward