a family title, often used by royalty, which consists of monarchs who are related to each other

an area of southwestern France which was owned by the English from 1151-1453

Henry VI and Richard of York

History

The rule of Margaret of Anjou and the rise of Edward, Duke of York

Edward IV's unstable first reign

Edward IV's stable second reign

Edward V and Richard III

What the Wars of the Roses tell us about England in the fifteenth century

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?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which royal family fought each other during the Wars of the Roses?

Write the missing word: The Wars of the Roses was fought between the House of York and the House of ...

an area of southwestern France, lost by the English in 1453

Write the missing word: Richard, Duke of York, became Protector of England because King {{ }} was experiencing poor mental health. 

At which battle did York's army fight the first battle of the Wars of the Roses against the king in 1455?

Richard, Duke of York, was appointed as Protector of England.

The king recovered from his illness and was able to take control again.

Richard, Duke of York, fought against the king in order to stay in power.

The king's army was defeated and Richard, Duke of York became Protector again.

Put the following events in the correct chronological order.

The year 1455 is part of the {{ }} century.

The Wars of the Roses lasted three decades. How many years did the Wars of the Roses last?

It was fought between people of the same country.

It was fought over a long period of time.

It was fought between two different countries.

The Wars of the Roses was fought between different groups of English nobles, in England. Why might the Wars of the Roses be described as a civil war?

Starting with the most powerful, put the groups within medieval society into order.

Write the missing word: A medieval king could succeed to the throne by winning a...

Starting with the earliest, sort these events from the Wars of the Roses into chronological order.

Henry VI and Richard of York

Lesson outcome

Content guidance