Background to the Wars of the Roses
The civil war, known as the Wars of the Roses, was fought during the last half of the 15th century. Kings of England at this time were never really secure in their position or authority. The right to be king was based upon traditional royal blood line but powerful families owed their allegiance and loyalty to different descendants of Edward III (1312-1377)

During the 15th century powerful families supported either the House of Lancaster or the House of York. Kings of England at this time came from either of these two houses. Kings of England at this time relied heavily upon the support of these immensely powerful Lords to maintain their position. One of the most influential Lords was Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, know as 'The Kingmaker'.

For a long time there was rivalry and jealousy between these powerful families who wanted power for themselves. This rivalry eventually spilled over into outright war with the first battle of the Wars of the Roses taking place at St. Albans in May 1455. Other great battles fought during the latter half of the 15th century were:

Blore Heath (Sept. 1459)
Northampton (July 1460)
Wakefield (Dec. 1460)
Mortimer's Cross (Feb. 1461)
2nd Battle of St. Albans (Feb. 1461)
Towton (March 1461)
Hedgeley Moor (April 1464)
Hexham (May 1464)
Bamburgh Castle (June 1464)
Edgecote ( July 1469)
Empingham (March 1470)
Barnet (April 1471)
Tewkesbury (May 1471)

With the battle at Bosworth Field taking place on 22nd August 1485 this all but ended the great conflict and paved the way for the coming of the Tudors.