The House of York during the Wars of the Roses

The House of York 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 Yorkist faction was led by members of the Plantagenet dynasty, who claimed to have a stronger claim to the throne than the Lancastrians.

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

Richard, Duke of York: The founder of the Yorkist cause, Richard was a powerful nobleman who claimed to have a stronger claim to the throne than King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster. He led several military campaigns against the Lancastrians, but was ultimately killed at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460.
Edward IV: Richard’s son, Edward was a charismatic and popular king who led the Yorkist cause to victory at the Battle of Towton in 1461, which established him as the new king of England. Edward ruled for over two decades until his death in 1483.
Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III): Edward IV’s younger brother, Richard played a prominent role in the Yorkist cause and was a successful military commander. After Edward’s death, Richard seized the throne from his young nephew, Edward V, and ruled as king until he was defeated and killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
Edward V: Edward IV’s oldest son and heir, who was only 12 years old when he became king. Edward V was deposed and imprisoned in the Tower of London by Richard III, and his fate remains a subject of debate among historians.

At various points in the dynastic struggle the cause of the House of York was supported by important nobles. Some of the most notable are listed below:

Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, also known as the “Kingmaker”: Warwick was a powerful nobleman who had initially supported the House of Lancaster, but later switched sides and became a key ally of the House of York. He was instrumental in helping Edward IV to become king, and his military support was crucial to the Yorkists’ victories at the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury.
Edward IV’s brother, George, Duke of Clarence: George was initially a supporter of the Lancastrian king, Henry VI, but he later switched sides and became a key Yorkist ally. He played a major role in helping Edward IV to take the throne and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1462.
William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke: Herbert was a powerful Welsh nobleman who supported the Yorkists and fought alongside Edward IV at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross. After the Yorkist victory, he was appointed to several key positions in the government, including the position of Lord Chamberlain.
William Hastings, Baron Hastings: Hastings was a close friend and ally of Edward IV who fought alongside him in many battles. He played a key role in Edward’s victory at the Battle of Barnet, and was later appointed to several important government positions, including the position of Lord Chamberlain.
Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby: Stanley initially supported the House of Lancaster, but later switched sides and became a Yorkist ally. He played a crucial role in helping Henry Tudor (who was descended from the House of Lancaster) to defeat Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, which marked the end of the Wars of the Roses.