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 describe how Edward IV's death and the actions of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, led to further instability in England.

Key Notes

• In 1483 Edward died suddenly at the age of just 40, with his sons too young to rule.
• A struggle to control the princes began and England once again became unstable.
• Edward's brother, Richard, took charge and made himself Protector, saying he would rule until Edward V was of age.
• Richard took Edward V to the Tower of London and declared himself king, leading to noble rebellion.
• Richard III took Edward V's brother to the Tower and instability arose due to arguments over his actions.

Vocabulary To Learn

• heir: the person who will be the next king or queen
• will: a document stating a person's wishes after their death
• minority reign: the period of a monarch's rule when they are still a child
• coronation: the ceremony of crowning a king or queen
• illegitimate: a child born of parents who are not legally married

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Students may become confused by the number of historical figures that share the same name.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Edward IV's stable second reign Study Guide
• Edward IV's unstable first reign 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