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

History

Henry VI and Richard of York

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

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Write the missing number. The Wars of the Roses helps to explain why England was so unstable in the {{}}th century.

Henry VI's reign shows that a medieval king needed to be strong and a brave {{}} in battle.

Which group of people did Edward IV fail to control effectively during his unstable first reign?

Which of the following were features of Plantagenet rule?

At which battle in 1485 did Henry Tudor kill Richard III?

Match the following keywords to their correct definitions.

The ceremony of crowning a king or queen is known as a...

How old was Edward V when his father unexpectedly died?

Richard of Gloucester made himself {{}} of England until Edward V was old enough to rule.

Write the missing name: Edward V and his younger brother {{}} were both held in the Tower of London.

they were smuggled out of England to live in France

they decided to live as commoners in England 

they escaped and started a rebellion against their uncle

What most likely happened to the princes in the tower?

Edward V travelled to London for his coronation

Richard of Gloucester stopped Edward V and made himself Protector

Richard delayed Edward V's coronation and eventually was crowned Richard III

The princes in the Tower went missing and were never seen again

Exit Quiz

Write the missing number. The Wars of the Roses helps to explain why England was so unstable in the th century.