all the people who live and work in a royal household

people of the highest social class, given land from the monarch in return for loyalty

a bond or connection between families or countries

Edward IV's unstable first reign

History

In this unit, students analysed dynastic instability and its significant impact upon England. In 'Henry VIII and the Reformation: how unusual was the English Reformation?', students will deepen their understanding of the impact of dynastic politics as they assess Henry VIII's Great Matter and its relation to the English Reformation.

In 'Medieval women: what can we learn from Matilda about women in medieval England?', pupils studied how England was affected by dynastic struggles and conflicts. In this unit, pupils will focus on analysing how dynastic struggles re-emerged and led to an even more prolonged civil war in England in the 15th century.

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.

The Wars of the Roses: what does it tell us about fifteenth-century England?

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Write the missing name: During the reign of Edward IV, he upset members of the nobility at court by marrying ...

The Earl of Warwick had hoped England would form an alliance with which country?

He believed that Henry VI would be a stronger king than Edward IV.

He preferred to spend time at the French court.

He was unhappy about Edward IV's favouritism towards the Woodvilles.

He hoped to be able to control Henry VI who was easily influenced.

Why did Warwick betray Edward by pledging his support to Henry VI and the Lancastrians?

Warwick went missing form the court of Edward IV.

Warwick helped Henry VI to regain the English crown.

Edward IV fought back at the Battle of Barnet and Warwick was killed.

Henry VI was captured at the Battle Tewkesbury and his son, Edward, was killed.

Henry VI was placed in the Tower of London, but died shortly afterwards.

Put these events into chronological order.

the importance of keeping the nobility on his side

the importance of ignoring the views of the nobility

What lesson did Edward IV learn from his unstable first reign?

Complete the sentence: Events in England between 1461 and 1471 were caused by arguments about who should {{ }} England.

What is the wife of a reigning monarch known as?

Margaret of {{ }} helped her husband Henry VI to regain the throne from Richard, Duke of York.

Match the battle to the correct year and outcome.

During the Wars of the Roses, the fighting between the Yorkists and {{ }} caused England to become unstable.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Edward IV's unstable first reign

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.