ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Wars of the Roses

Civil wars over English throne in 15th century
Civil wars over English throne in 15th century

The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars fought between the Houses of Lancaster and York in the mid-to-late 15th century. The conflict led to the rise of the Tudor dynasty and the end of the medieval period in England.

Community for Timeline Editors
Place where unique editors like you interact
1368
Death of Lionel, Duke of Clarence

Lionel, Duke of Clarence, a son of Edward III, died in 1368. His death further complicated the issue of succession and played a role in the events leading to the Wars of the Roses.

1376
Death of Edward, the Black Prince

Edward, the Black Prince, who was the eldest son of Edward III and heir apparent, passed away in 1376. His death contributed to the succession crisis and uncertainty over the English throne.

1385
House of York's claim on the throne

The House of York's claim on the throne was based on the female line of descent from Edmund of Langley, a son of Edward III. This claim was in contrast to the Lancastrian claim and led to conflicts during the Wars of the Roses.

1399-06-30
Henry Bolingbroke lands at Ravenspur

On June 30, 1399, Henry Bolingbroke landed at Ravenspur. This event marked the beginning of his campaign to overthrow King Richard II and eventually led to the Wars of the Roses.

1399-09-30
Deposition of Richard II in favor of Henry Bolingbroke

On 30th September 1399, Richard II was removed from the throne and Henry Bolingbroke became the new ruler, bypassing Richard's heir presumptive, Edmund Mortimer 5th Earl of March.

1399-10-13
Coronation of Henry IV

Henry IV was crowned as the king on 13th October 1399 at Westminster Abbey.

1400-02-14
Death of Richard II

Richard II passed away while in captivity at Pontefract Castle on 14th February 1400.

1411-09
Birth of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York

Richard Plantagenet, who later became the 3rd Duke of York, was born on 22nd September 1411.

1415
Henry V's invasion of France

Henry V of England revived old dynastic claims to the French throne and invaded France in 1415, leading to the Battle of Agincourt where the English achieved a significant victory. This campaign solidified the legitimacy of the Lancastrian monarchy.

1420
Treaty of Troyes

The Treaty of Troyes, signed in 1420 between Henry V of England and Charles VI of France, disinherited the French Dauphin Charles, married Henry to Charles' daughter Catherine of Valois, and recognized their future sons as legitimate heirs to the French throne.

1421-12-06
Birth of Henry VI

Catherine gave birth to a son, Henry, who would later ascend to the throne at just nine months old after the death of his father, Henry V.

1422-08-31
Death of King Henry V

King Henry V passed away on 31st August 1422.

1425
Richard of York's inheritance

Richard of York inherited the titles and claims of the Duchy of York and the Earldom of March, including the claim to the English throne through his mother, after the death of his uncle Edward and cousin Edmund Mortimer.

1429-07-17
Coronation of Charles VII

The French rallied around Joan of Arc, inflicting major defeats on the English and leading to the coronation of the Dauphin as Charles VII in Reims.

1429-11-06
Coronation of Henry VI

Henry VI was formally crowned at the age of 7 in response to the coronation of Charles VII.

1430
Birth of Margaret of Anjou

Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI, was born in 1430 and played a crucial role in rallying support for the Lancastrians during the Wars of the Roses.

1444
Treaty of Tours

Suffolk negotiated the Treaty of Tours to broker peace between England and France, securing the marriage of Henry VI to Margaret of Anjou in exchange for strategic lands.

1447
Arrest of Gloucester

Gloucester was arrested for treason and died while awaiting trial, leading to suspicions of foul play.

1450
Wars of the Roses begin

The Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars between the rival houses of Lancaster and York, commence in England.

1450-01-09
Murder of Adam Moleyns

Adam Moleyns was murdered by sailors in Portsmouth.

1450-05-02
Execution of William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk

William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk, was arrested, imprisoned, impeached, and eventually executed in the Tower of London on 2 May 1450. His downfall was attributed to the failures in France and the unfavourable request to cede Maine and Anjou to the French.

1450-07-03
Jack Cade declares himself Mayor

Jack Cade crossed London Bridge and declared himself Mayor, as recorded in the Croyland Chronicle.

1450-09-07
Return of Richard Duke of York from Ireland

Richard Duke of York returned from Ireland.

1451-09-05
Birth of Isabel Neville

Isabel Neville was born on this date.

1451-09-17
Standoff between Earl of Devon and Earl of Wiltshire

A standoff occurred between the Earl of Devon and the Earl of Wiltshire.

1452-03-03
Standoff at Dartford

A standoff took place at Dartford.

1453-08-10
Henry VI's Mental Breakdown

On August 10, 1453, Henry VI suffered a mental breakdown, which had significant implications for the stability of the English monarchy and political landscape.

1454-03-27
Richard of York appointed Lord Protector and Chief Councillor

In 1454, Richard of York was appointed as Lord Protector and Chief Councillor by the Regency Council to govern the country amidst the unstable political situation and feuds between noble families.

1454-07-23
Imprisonment of Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter

On July 23, 1454, Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter, was imprisoned by the Duke of York, reflecting the power struggles and political tensions of the time.

1454-12-25
Henry VI's Recovery

Henry VI regained his senses on December 25, 1454, after his mental breakdown, which had a significant impact on the political dynamics and power struggles within the English court.

1455-05
Wars of the Roses Begin

The Wars of the Roses commenced in May 1455 with an open battle at St. Albans, marking the beginning of a series of conflicts between the House of Lancaster and the House of York for the English throne.

1455-05-22
First Battle of St. Albans

The First Battle of St. Albans occurred on May 22, 1455, marking the first significant battle of the Wars of the Roses. It resulted in a victory for the Yorkist faction and escalated the conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York.

1456-01-13
Resignation of Richard Duke of York as Protector

On January 13, 1456, Richard Duke of York resigned as Protector, signaling a shift in the political dynamics and power struggles during the Wars of the Roses.

1456-04-20
Earl of Warwick appointed Captain of Calais

In 1456, the Earl of Warwick was given the position of Captain of Calais.

1457-01-28
Birth of Henry Tudor

Henry Tudor, who would later become King Henry VII, was born on January 28, 1457.

1458-03-24
Loveday Parade at St. Pauls Cathedral

In 1458, a Loveday Parade took place at St. Paul's Cathedral.

1458-03-25
Richard, Duke of York becomes Protector of the Realm

Richard, Duke of York is appointed as the Protector of the Realm for the second time.

1459-09-23
Battle of Blore Heath

On 23 September 1459, the Yorkist army under Salisbury was ambushed by a larger Lancastrian force at Blore Heath. The Lancastrians were defeated, and Baron Audley was killed in the battle.

1459-09-24
Lord Stanley writes to participants in the Battle of Blore Heath

On September 24, 1459, Lord Stanley sent letters to those involved in the Battle of Blore Heath.

1459-10-10
Yorkist letter to King Henry VI

A Yorkist letter was sent to King Henry VI on October 10, 1459.

1459-10-12
Battle of Ludford Bridge

The Battle of Ludford Bridge took place on October 12-13, 1459, between the forces of the House of Lancaster and the House of York, resulting in a retreat by the Yorkists.

1459-11-20
Opening of Parliament of Devils

The Parliament of Devils opened on November 20, 1459.

1460-01-15
Raid on Sandwich

A raid on Sandwich occurred on January 15, 1460.

1460-07-02
Siege of the Tower of London

In July 1460, the Tower of London was under siege during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England. The Lancastrian forces attempted to capture the tower, a key strategic stronghold.

1460-07-10
Battle of Northampton

The Battle of Northampton in 1460 ended in a Yorkist victory with King Henry VI being captured. The Earl of Warwick ordered the massacre of prisoners, and the Queen fled to Wales.

1460-07-14
Yorkists return to London with Henry VI

On July 14, 1460, the Yorkists returned to London with King Henry VI as their captive. This event marked a significant turning point in the Wars of the Roses, signaling the Yorkist ascendancy.

1460-09-09
Richard Duke of York lands in England

On September 9, 1460, Richard, Duke of York, landed in England, further escalating the conflict in the Wars of the Roses. His return had a major impact on the power dynamics within the warring factions.

1460-10-25
Act of Accord

On 25 October 1460, the Act of Accord was passed, disinheriting Henry VI's son Edward and declaring York as the heir to the throne. However, the compromise was short-lived as hostilities resumed.

1460-10-31
Battle of Stamford Bridge

The Battle of Stamford Bridge occurred on October 31, 1460, as part of the Wars of the Roses. It was a notable engagement that contributed to the ongoing conflict between the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions.

1460-12-30
Battle of Wakefield

The Battle of Wakefield on December 30, 1460, was a significant engagement in the Wars of the Roses, resulting in the death of Richard, Duke of York, a key figure in the Yorkist faction.

1461
Battle of Wakefield

Duke of York is killed in the Battle of Wakefield while laying claim to the throne.

1461-01-05
Agreement between Lancastrians and Scots

On January 5, 1461, an agreement was reached between the Lancastrians and the Scots during the Wars of the Roses.

1461-02-02
Battle of Mortimer's Cross

The Battle of Mortimer's Cross took place on February 2, 1461, where the Yorkists under Edward, Earl of March, achieved a decisive victory over the Lancastrians.

1461-02-17
Second Battle of St. Albans

The Second Battle of St. Albans occurred on February 17, 1461, during the Wars of the Roses, resulting in a Lancastrian victory and the capture of King Henry VI by the Yorkists.

1461-03-04
Edward IV proclaimed king in London

Edward of York, also known as Edward IV, was declared king in London.

1461-03-09
Battle of Towton

The Battle of Towton was a significant Yorkist victory led by The Earl of Warwick. It resulted in the flight of King Henry, Queen Margaret, and the Prince of Wales to Scotland.

1461-03-29
Battle of Towton

Edward of York emerges victorious in the brutal Battle of Towton, a significant conflict during the Wars of the Roses. This battle solidifies Edward's claim to the English throne.

1461-06-28
Coronation of Edward IV

Edward IV was formally crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, solidifying his position as the uncontested ruler of England after his victory at the Battle of Towton.

1461-10-16
Battle of Towt Hill

The Battle of Towt Hill occurred on 16th October 1461, further solidifying the Yorkist control in the Wars of the Roses conflict.

1462
Warwick's Negotiation with Scotland and Ireland

Warwick successfully negotiated a truce with Scotland and led Yorkist forces to decisively defeat the Lancastrians in Ireland, securing his position as the most powerful noble in England.

1463-01-06
Alnwick Falls

On 6th January 1463, Alnwick fell during the Wars of the Roses, marking a significant event in the ongoing conflict between the Lancastrians and Yorkists.

1464-04-25
Battle of Hedgeley Moor

The Battle of Hedgeley Moor took place on April 25, 1464, between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians, with the Yorkists emerging victorious in this conflict during the Wars of the Roses.

1464-05-01
Secret marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville

On 1st May 1464, Edward IV secretly married Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner. This marriage caused political turmoil and was a key event during the Wars of the Roses.

1464-05-15
Battle of Hexham

A Yorkist force under John Neville destroyed the main Lancastrian army at Hexham, capturing and executing key Lancastrian commanders, leading to the collapse of effective resistance to Edward's rule.

1465-06-24
Henry VI captured and imprisoned

Henry VI was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1465.

1465-07-24
Capture of Henry VI by Yorkists

On 24th July 1465, Henry VI, the Lancastrian king, was captured by the Yorkists. This event further solidified the Yorkist control during the Wars of the Roses.

1466-10
Treaty with Burgundy

King Edward IV secretly concluded a treaty with Burgundy, going against the advice of his advisor Warwick. This decision further escalated tensions within the English court and affected foreign relations.

1467-06-07
Embassy led by Richard Neville arrives in Paris

In 1467, an embassy led by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, reached Paris for negotiations with the King of France.

1467-06-15
Death of Philip the Good of Burgundy

Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy, passed away on June 15, 1467.

1467-09-18
Thomas Bourchier becomes Cardinal

In September 1467, Thomas Bourchier was appointed as a Cardinal.

1468-08
Surrender of Harlech Castle

The surrender of Harlech Castle in August 1468 marked the end of the longest siege in British history.

1469-03-20
Battle of Nibley Green

The Battle of Nibley Green took place on March 20, 1469.

1469-07-26
Battle of Edgcote

During the Battle of Edgcote, royal troops were defeated by rebels led by Redesdale. This event resulted in the capture and execution of key figures close to King Edward IV, leading to a significant shift in power dynamics.

1469-08-12
Execution of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers and his son

On 12th August 1469, Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers, and his son John Woodville were executed. This event was a part of the political turmoil during the Wars of the Roses.

1469-09-10
Edward IV released from the custody of the Earl of Warwick

Edward IV was released from the custody of the Earl of Warwick on 10th September 1469. This event marked a significant shift in the power dynamics during the Wars of the Roses.

1470-03-12
Edward IV's Victory at Losecoat Field

King Edward IV decisively defeated Yorkist rebels at Losecoat Field, exposing Warwick and Clarence's involvement in the rebellion. This victory solidified Edward's position as the rightful king of England.

1470-05-01
Warwick the Kingmaker's alliance with Queen Margaret

After quarrelling with Edward IV, Warwick the Kingmaker fled to France where he joined forces with Queen Margaret. They returned to England and restored the Lancastrian Henry VI to the throne on 13th October.

1470-07-22
Angers Agreement

The Angers Agreement was reached on 22nd July 1470. It was a diplomatic agreement between various factions involved in the Wars of the Roses, aiming to resolve conflicts and restore stability.

1470-09-13
Warwick and Clarence's invasion of England

Warwick and Clarence launched a two-pronged invasion of England at Dartmouth and Plymouth in an attempt to restore Henry VI to the throne. Edward of Westminster and Margaret of Anjou were involved in the political maneuvering.

1470-09-27
Edward IV flees to Burgundy

In September 1470, Edward IV fled to Burgundy.

1470-10-02
Edward IV's flight to Flanders

Edward IV, along with his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, fled to Flanders to escape Warwick and Clarence's invasion of England. This marked a significant moment in the conflict during the Wars of the Roses.

1470-11-26
Parliament attains Edward IV

In November 1470, Parliament attains Edward IV.

1471-01-02
Edward IV and Charles of Burgundy discuss invasion

On January 2, 1471, Edward IV and Charles of Burgundy discuss invasion.

1471-03-14
King Edward fleeing to France

In 1471, the Yorkist King Edward fled to France with a small army.

1471-04-04
Battle of Barnet

Edward IV of England emerges victorious in the Battle of Barnet, resulting in the death of the Earl of Warwick.

1471-04-14
Battle of Barnet

The Battle of Barnet took place on April 14, 1471, resulting in a victory for Edward's Yorkist army and the death of Warwick the Kingmaker.

1471-05-04
Battle of Tewkesbury

On May 4, 1471, the Battle of Tewkesbury occurred, where the Lancastrian army, led by Queen Margaret and the Prince of Wales, suffered a defeat. The Prince of Wales was killed, and the queen was captured.

1471-05-10
Siege of London

The Siege of London took place from the 10th to the 14th of May in 1471. It was a significant military conflict during the Wars of the Roses.

1471-05-21
Murder of Henry VI

Henry VI of England is killed in the Tower of London following his imprisonment by Edward IV of England.

1472-09-11
Treaty of Chateaugiron

The Treaty of Chateaugiron was signed on the 11th of September 1472, aiming to bring peace and resolve conflicts between the involved parties.

1473-09-30
Beginning of the siege of St. Michael’s Mount

The siege of St. Michael’s Mount commenced on the 30th of September 1473, leading to a prolonged military confrontation.

1475-08-29
Treaty of Picquigny

The Treaty of Picquigny was established on the 29th of August 1475, following the Invasion of France. It aimed to settle disputes and maintain peace.

1476
Birth of Edward of Middleham

Edward of Middleham, son of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who would later become Richard III of England, is born.

1478-02-18
Trial and Attainder of George Duke of Clarence

In 1478, the Duke of Clarence faced trial and attainder, leading to his execution. The Croyland Chronicle provides an account of this significant event.

1482-05-22
Raid on Dumfries led by Richard, Duke of Gloucester

In 1482, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, led a raid on Dumfries. This military action showcased his leadership and strategic skills.

1483-04-09
Death of King Edward IV

On April 9, 1483, King Edward IV passed away, marking the end of his reign and leading to a period of uncertainty and power struggles.

1483-05-19
Edward V enters the Tower of London

On May 19, 1483, Edward V entered the Tower of London to prepare for his coronation, a significant step in the political transition following his father's death.

1483-06-06
Coronation of Richard III

Richard was crowned as King of England on 6 July 1483 after being declared the rightful king by an assembly of lords and commoners.

1483-06-10
Richard Duke of Gloucester requests assistance from City of York

On 10th June 1483, Richard Duke of Gloucester sent a letter to the City of York asking for immediate help.

1483-06-22
Sermon by Ralph Shaa on Edward IV's marriage legality

Ralph Shaa delivered a sermon on 22nd June 1483 discussing the legitimacy of Edward IV's marriage.

1483-06-26
Richard III becomes King

On 26th June 1483, Richard III ascended to the throne of England.

1483-07-06
Coronation of Richard III of England

Richard III is crowned as the King of England in Westminster Abbey.

1483-07-15
Duke of Buckingham appointed Constable and Chamberlain

On 15th July 1483, the Duke of Buckingham was given the roles of Constable and Chamberlain.

1483-08-24
Prince Edward made Prince of Wales

Prince Edward was officially designated as the Prince of Wales on 24th August 1483.

1483-09-08
Investiture of Prince Edward as Prince of Wales

On 8th September 1483, Prince Edward was officially invested as the Prince of Wales in York.

1483-10-18
Buckingham's Rebellion

Henry Tudor, supported by the Duke of Buckingham, launched a rebellion against Richard III on October 18, 1483, aiming to install Henry as king. The rebellion was ultimately defeated by Richard.

1483-11-02
Execution of the Duke of Buckingham

After the failed rebellion, the Duke of Buckingham was captured, convicted of treason, and executed in Salisbury on November 2, 1483.

1484-01-23
Titulus Regius passed

On 23rd January 1484, the Titulus Regius was passed, which declared the marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville invalid and their children illegitimate.

1484-04-09
Death of Prince Edward, Son of Richard III

Prince Edward, the son and heir of Richard III of England, passed away.

1485
Battle of Bosworth Field

The Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 marked the final battle of the Wars of the Roses, where Henry of Richmond, a Lancastrian claimant to the throne, emerged victorious over Richard III, leading to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty.

1485-03-16
Death of Anne Neville

Richard's wife, Anne Neville, passed away, sparking rumors of murder to allow Richard to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York. This event caused a rift among Richard's supporters and potentially threatened Tudor plans.

1485-08-01
Henry Tudor's Landing in Wales

Henry Tudor, with the support of French and Scottish troops, landed near Dale, Pembrokeshire in Wales. This marked the beginning of his campaign to press his claim to the English throne.

1485-08-07
Henry Tudor's Landing at Milford Haven

On August 7, 1485, Henry Tudor, the last Lancastrian claimant, landed at Milford Haven in Wales, marking the beginning of the Tudor challenge to Richard III's reign.

1485-08-08
Henry Tudor Lands in Wales

Henry Tudor, who would later become Henry VII of England, arrived in Wales with a force of French mercenaries.

1485-08-15
Richard III hears of Henry Tudor's army

On 15th August 1485, Richard III received news that Henry Tudor's army had passed Shrewsbury.

1485-08-22
Battle of Bosworth

The Battle of Bosworth on August 22, 1485, saw the defeat of King Richard III and the victory of Henry Tudor, who became King Henry VII, ending the Plantagenet dynasty.

1485-09-03
Henry Tudor's entry into London

On 3rd September 1485, Henry Tudor made his triumphant entry into London as King Henry VII.

1485-10-30
Coronation of Henry VII of England

Henry VII of England is crowned in Westminster Abbey, solidifying his position as the new monarch after his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

1486-01-18
Marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York

Henry VII of England marries Elizabeth of York, the daughter of Edward IV of England, in a union that symbolizes the reconciliation of the warring factions of the Wars of the Roses.

1487-05-14
Removal of Stafford Brothers from Sanctuary

Henry VII ordered the removal of the Stafford brothers from sanctuary at Abingdon Abbey, demonstrating his authority and refusal to tolerate challenges to his rule.

1487-06-16
Battle of Stoke Field

The Battle of Stoke Field was the final engagement of the Wars of the Roses. It took place between the forces of Henry VII and the Yorkist rebels led by the Earl of Lincoln. The Yorkists were defeated, with Lincoln killed in the fighting.

1490
Perkin Warbeck's Claim

In 1490, Perkin Warbeck claimed to be Richard of Shrewsbury, Edward IV's second son and a rival claimant to the throne. However, he was executed before any rebellion could be launched.

1491
Warbeck's Rebellion

Perkin Warbeck, claiming to be Richard of Shrewsbury, the younger of the Princes in the Tower, rebelled against Henry VII. He gained support from Yorkist sympathizers in Ireland and Europe, leading to a significant threat to Henry's reign.

1497-09-07
Perkin Warbeck's Landing in Cornwall

Perkin Warbeck landed in Cornwall, aiming to capitalize on the local population's discontent with Henry VII's taxes. He was declared as Richard IV and led an army of 6,000 Cornishmen, but ultimately deserted his troops when he learned about the king's forces nearby.

1499-11-23
Execution of Perkin Warbeck

Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be Richard IV, was captured, imprisoned, and hanged on November 23, 1499.

1513
Execution of Edmund de la Pole, 3rd Duke of Suffolk

Edmund de la Pole, brother of the executed Earl of Lincoln, was executed by Henry VIII for claiming the throne.

1525
Death of Richard de la Pole at the Battle of Pavia

Richard de la Pole, known as the White Rose, was killed in battle at Pavia while conspiring to invade England and claim the throne.

1600
Competitors for succession before the death of Elizabeth I

Before the death of Elizabeth I, there were twelve competitors for succession, including seven Plantagenet descendants.

2007-04-26
Causes of the Wars of the Roses

An overview discussing the reasons behind the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England during the 15th century. This source provides insights into the factors that led to the conflicts.

2024
Website designed By Worcester Web Studio

A website related to the Wars of the Roses, possibly providing information, resources, or services related to the historical conflict.

End of the Timeline
Wars of the Roses
Become an Editor of Timeline Wiki
Become an Editor of
Timeline Wiki
USD $0 for creating and editing infinite number of timelines after sign up.