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 Richard, Duke of York, came to challenge the rule of King Henry VI.

Key Notes

• Unlike his successful warrior-king father, Henry VI was a weak Lancastrian king, lacking leadership and strength.
• Between 1450 and 1453 England lost land in France including Normandy and Gascony and rebellion rose in southern England.
• Henry VI collapsed and Richard, Duke of York, a noble of royal blood, seized his chance to take control of government.
• In December 1454, Henry VI resumed his rule and excluded York from government, leading to the Battle of St Albans.
• England had become unstable due Henry's weakness and York's willingness to use force against him.

Vocabulary To Learn

• House: a family title, often used by royalty, which consists of monarchs who are related to each other
• Normandy: a region in northern France
• Gascony: an area of southwestern France which was owned by the English from 1151-1453

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Students may believed that the Yorkists and Lancastrians were from different families.

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
• Edward V and Richard III 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