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

A study of the Wars of the Roses helps to contextualise the decline of feudalism and the rise of the Tudor household which pupils will move on to study (Y8). Pupils will also be able to re-visit their knowledge of civil wars when studying the English Civil War and Glorious Revolution (Y8).

Pupils will already have an understanding of the deposition on Kings and civil wars through their studies of the Anarchy and the Magna Carta. Pupils will also have a strong understanding of medieval warfare and the importance of the Hundred Years War to the Kings of England. Finally, the declining power of feudalism links back to pupils' study of the Peasants' Revolt.

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.

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.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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

Henry VI and Richard of York

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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