The House of Lancaster during the Wars of the Roses

The House of Lancaster was one of the two main factions that fought for control of the English throne during the Wars of the Roses, a series of conflicts that took place in the 15th century. The Lancastrian faction was led by members of the House of Lancaster, who claimed a stronger hereditary claim to the throne than the House of York.

Here are some of the key figures from the House of Lancaster during the Wars of the Roses:

Henry VI: The Lancastrian king who ruled England during much of the Wars of the Roses. Henry was a weak and ineffective monarch who suffered from mental illness, and his reign was marked by political instability and military conflict. He was deposed by the Yorkist Edward IV in 1461, but was briefly restored to the throne in 1470 before being deposed again and murdered in the Tower of London in 1471.
Margaret of Anjou: Henry VI’s wife, Margaret was a strong and determined woman who played a prominent role in the Lancastrian cause. She led several armies in support of her husband and was a key strategist in the Lancastrian efforts to regain the throne. Margaret was a fierce enemy of the Yorkists, particularly Richard, Duke of York, whom she blamed for the death of her son, Prince Edward.
Henry Tudor (later Henry VII): A descendant of the House of Lancaster, Henry Tudor was a key Lancastrian figure who played a decisive role in the final battle of the Wars of the Roses. After Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, Henry Tudor was crowned King Henry VII, marking the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty.
Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset: A powerful nobleman who was a key Lancastrian figure during the early years of the Wars of the Roses. Somerset played a prominent role in the Lancastrian victories at the Battles of Wakefield and St Albans, but was later captured and executed by the Yorkists.

These were some of the most important Lancastrian figures during the Wars of the Roses, but there were many others who fought and supported the House of Lancaster throughout the conflict. Some of the most notable are listed below:

Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland: The Percy family was one of the most powerful noble families in the north of England, and they were key Lancastrian supporters. The Earl of Northumberland was a key ally of Henry VI, and fought alongside him in several battles.
Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter: The Duke of Exeter was a close relative of Henry VI, and was a key Lancastrian supporter. He fought alongside the Lancastrians in several battles, including the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury.
Jasper Tudor: The uncle of Henry Tudor (later Henry VII), Jasper was a key Lancastrian figure who played a crucial role in securing Henry’s victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field. He had previously fought for the Lancastrians in several battles, including the Battle of Tewkesbury.
James Butler, Earl of Wiltshire: The Butler family were powerful nobles who were based in Ireland, and the Earl of Wiltshire was a key Lancastrian supporter. He fought alongside the Lancastrians in several battles, including the Battle of Wakefield.
Margaret of Anjou: As mentioned earlier, Margaret of Anjou was the wife of Henry VI and a strong and determined Lancastrian supporter. She played a prominent role in the Lancastrian cause, leading armies and serving as a key strategist.

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The House of York during the Wars of the Roses (Article about the key figures in the House of York)

LINKS

House of York Collection – (House of York themed merch from High Speed History)

Richard III Collection – (Richard III themed merch from High Speed History)

Tudor Collection – (Tudor themed merch from High Speed History)