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

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

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Why this why now

This unit uses and builds on pupils' knowledge and understanding of sources of medieval instability that they developed in the previous unit. This unit prepares pupils for their study of the Tudor period by contextualising Henry VIII's desire to restore monarchical power following the events of this unit.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Pupils know that the role of the king was desired by many powerful men who were willing to fight for it.
  • Pupils know that kings must be seen to be successful in order to keep their power.

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Why this why now

This unit uses and builds on pupils' knowledge and understanding of sources of medieval instability that they developed in the previous unit. This unit prepares pupils for their study of the Tudor period by contextualising Henry VIII's desire to restore monarchical power following the events of this unit.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Pupils know that the role of the king was desired by many powerful men who were willing to fight for it.
  • Pupils know that kings must be seen to be successful in order to keep their power.

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

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.

6 lessons in unit

  1. 1

    Henry VI and Richard of York

    I can describe how Richard, Duke of York, came to challenge the rule of King Henry VI.
  2. 2

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

    I can describe how the actions of Margaret of Anjou and the Yorkists created further instability in England.
  3. 3

    Edward IV's unstable first reign

    I can explain why Edward IV’s first reign collapsed into instability and describe how he re-took his throne.
  4. 4

    Edward IV's stable second reign

    I can explain why Edward IV’s second reign was much more stable than his first.
  5. 5

    Edward V and Richard III

    I can describe how Edward IV’s death and the actions of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, led to further instability in England.
  6. 6

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

    I can explain what the Wars of the Roses tells us about 15th century England.

Learn how you can make the best use of Oak resources

A step-by-step guide to getting started

Get more out of Oak