In which century were the Wars of the Roses fought in England?

The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars fought over the throne of England in the mid-to-late fifteenth century (1455-1487) between supporters of the House of Lancaster (Lancastrians) and supporters of the House of York (Yorkists).

The wars began for several reasons, one being that the Lancastrian King Henry VI was seen as a poor ruler because of his mental illness. His wife, Margaret of Anjou, often made decisions on his behalf. Henry VI's reign also saw England's defeat in the Hundred Year's War.

While Henry VI was ill, Richard, Duke of York persuaded the other nobles to make him "Lord Protector". This meant Richard ran the country until the king recovered.

York wanted to be the next king after Henry died, rather than Henry and Margaret's newborn son. After going to war over the matter, the Duke of York was killed. Yet the Yorkists won this battle and his son was crowned Edward IV in June 1461. Civil wars continued to break out throughout Edward's reign.

Edward IV died suddenly in 1483, leaving the throne to his 12-year-old son. But his brother stole the throne and crowned himself Richard III. The War of the Roses ended when the future Henry VII defeated Richard in battle and united the two warring families through marriage.

The name 'Wars of the Roses', was first used in the 19th century. It comes from the white rose symbol for the House of York and the red rose symbol for the House of Lancaster.