Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils develop an understanding of the events of the period known as the Wars of the Roses. In doing so, they analyse the reasons for instability during this period, reflecting on what the Wars of the Roses can tell us about fifteenth-century England.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why Edward IV's first reign collapsed into instability and describe how he re-took his throne.

Key Notes

• Although Edward IV's rule was secure by 1464, he jeopardised stability by marrying Elizabeth Woodville.
• This marriage angered many at court, including Warwick, especially after the Woodvilles began to gain more influence.
• Queen Margaret and Warwick combined forces to usurp Edward, who fled abroad, and the crown was returned to Henry VI.
• Edward returned to defeat Warwick and Margaret at Barnet, Henry VI was murdered and Edward VI was restored as king.
• England had been made unstable by Edward IV's inability to keep the support of his nobles.

Vocabulary To Learn

• court: all the people who live and work in a royal household
• nobles: people of the highest social class, given land from the monarch in return for loyalty
• alliance: a bond or connection between families or countries
• ally: a supporter or friend

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Students may get confused between Edward, Prince of Wales and Edward IV.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Edward IV's stable second reign Study Guide
• Edward V and Richard III Study Guide
• Henry VI and Richard of York Study Guide
• The rule of Margaret of Anjou and the rise of Edward, Duke of York Study Guide
• What the Wars of the Roses tell us about England in the fifteenth century Study Guide