The Wars of the Roses
Henry VI (1422-1461) founded Eton and King's
College, Cambridge
but he lost all the possessions his father had regained and failed to stop the
outbreak of the Wars of the Ro 23223f55x ses (1455-1487). He was murdered in the Tower of London in 1471, after he had become
insane. Richard, Duke of York, become Protector.The nobles in the North
remained loyal to the King while those in the South deserted him.AT the same time,
after the duke's death, his son was proclaimed King of England. Edward IV
(1461-1483) inaugurated a new dynasty on the English throne. He named his
brother, Richard of Gloucester, as Protector. Edward's heir was only twelve
years old when he becomes King. Richard sent the boy king and his brother to
the tower where they were killed.
Richard III (1483-1485) is one of England's
most controversial characters.Some historians see him as a monster, others as
an English prototype of the Renaissance ruler.He improved finances but was
never able to ensure the loyalty of his men who betrayed him in the battle at
Bosworth where he died.Lord Stanley picked Richard's crown from the battlefield
and placed it on Henry Tudor's head.The latter had gathered round him both
Lancasterians and Yorkists, all apposing Richard III.
Henry VII (1485-1509) put an end to the Wars
of the Roses (called so from the badges of the rival armies: the red Lancaster rose and the white York one) and inaugurated what some
historians consider the most glorious period in English history: the century of
Tudor rule.
