Bizarre But True: 10 Strange Truths About The War of the Roses

In the 15th century, England was a nation in turmoil, its future uncertain as two powerful noble families—the House of Lancaster and the House of York—engaged in a fierce struggle for the throne. This period, known as the Wars of the Roses, was marked by political intrigue, shifting alliances, and a series of battles that would reshape the course of English history. The conflict’s name derives from the symbolic red and white roses representing the rival houses (britannica.com).

1. The War Was Named After Flowers—But Not at the Time

Contrary to popular belief, the conflict wasn’t called the ‘War of the Roses’ during its occurrence. The term emerged centuries later, with the white rose symbolizing the House of York and the red rose representing the House of Lancaster. This association was popularized by Tudor propaganda. During the wars themselves (1455-1487), the term was never used (britannica.com).

2. A King Was Allegedly Murdered in Prayer

King Henry VI was reportedly killed while praying in the Tower of London in 1471. Though his death was officially blamed on ‘melancholy,’ many believe he was murdered—possibly on the orders of Edward IV. This mystery lingers in English lore (hrp.org.uk).

3. Queen Margaret Was Dubbed the ‘She-Wolf of France’

Margaret of Anjou, the wife of King Henry VI, was a formidable political force and battlefield presence, earning her the intimidating nickname ‘She-Wolf of France’. Her assertive tactics set her apart from many medieval queens. This moniker was popularized by Shakespeare, who depicted her as a dominant and ruthless figure. Despite the initial Lancastrian success, for example, at the Rout of Ludlow, the Yorkists staged a fight-back (heritagecalling.com).

4. The Bloodiest Battle in English History

The Battle of Towton, fought on March 29, 1461, remains the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. Estimates of the number of combatants vary, with some sources suggesting that up to 75,000 soldiers participated. The battle resulted in a staggering number of casualties, with contemporary chroniclers reporting figures ranging from 20,000 to 28,000 dead. The exact number remains uncertain due to the lack of comprehensive records and the chaotic nature of the battle (towton.org.uk). The battle took place on Palm Sunday, with the Yorkist forces, led by Edward IV, facing the Lancastrian army commanded by the Duke of Somerset. The armies clashed in a snowstorm, which added to the brutality of the combat. The Yorkists emerged victorious, leading to a significant shift in the power dynamics of the Wars of the Roses (historic-uk.com). The aftermath of the battle was equally harrowing. Many of the Lancastrian soldiers who fled were pursued and killed, with reports of bodies being found in the nearby Cock Beck river, leading to the area being known as Bloody Meadow. The Battle of Towton stands as a testament to the ferocity and scale of the conflicts during the Wars of the Roses, leaving an indelible mark on English history.

5. Child Soldiers and Young Kings

The Wars of the Roses saw remarkable instances of youth in positions of power and command. Edward IV ascended to the throne in 1461 at the age of 18, following the death of his father, Richard, Duke of York. His brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was appointed 1st Duke of Gloucester in 1461 at the age of 9. Additionally, Thomas Fitzalan, 10th or 17th Earl of Arundel, was appointed Knight of the Bath at the age of 11 in 1461 (allabouthistory.co.uk). These instances underscore the era’s ruthless expectations and the pivotal roles young individuals played during this tumultuous period.

6. The Infamous Princes in the Tower

The disappearance of Edward V and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, known as the Princes in the Tower, remains one of history’s most enduring mysteries. After their father’s death in 1483, the 12-year-old Edward V was declared king, with his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, appointed as Lord Protector. Shortly thereafter, both princes were confined to the Tower of London under the pretense of preparing for Edward’s coronation. However, they were never seen again (en.wikipedia.org). Various theories have emerged regarding their fate. The most widely accepted suggests that Richard III ordered their murder to eliminate potential rivals to his throne. This narrative was popularized by Thomas More, who implicated Sir James Tyrrell in the crime. In 1674, workmen at the Tower of London discovered a wooden box containing two small skeletons beneath a staircase. These remains were later interred in Westminster Abbey. In 1933, an examination estimated the bones belonged to children aged between 10 and 12, aligning with the princes’ ages at the time of their disappearance. Despite these findings, the exact circumstances of their deaths remain uncertain, continuing to fuel speculation and intrigue (pbs.org).

7. Fortune Fell on the Turn of the Weather

The Battle of Barnet, fought on April 14, 1471, was significantly influenced by the weather conditions. A dense fog enveloped the battlefield at dawn, leading to misalignments between the opposing forces. This confusion resulted in the Lancastrian left flank, commanded by the Earl of Oxford, inadvertently attacking their own right flank, which was under the command of Lord Montagu. The friendly fire caused disarray among the Lancastrian ranks, contributing to their eventual defeat. (en.wikipedia.org). Additionally, the fog obscured the movements of the Yorkist forces, allowing them to regroup and launch a decisive counterattack. The confusion and disarray within the Lancastrian army, exacerbated by the weather conditions, played a crucial role in securing the Yorkist victory at Barnet (britannica.com).

8. A Commoner’s Wife Became Queen—Twice

Elizabeth Woodville, born in 1437, was the daughter of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers, and Jacquetta of Luxembourg. In 1464, she married King Edward IV in a secret ceremony, making her the first commoner to ascend to the English throne. Their union produced ten children, including Elizabeth of York, who later married Henry VII, uniting the warring houses of Lancaster and York. Through this marriage, Elizabeth Woodville became the grandmother of Henry VIII (britannica.com). Elizabeth’s rise from widowhood to queen consort was unprecedented, challenging the traditional norms of medieval England. Her marriage to Edward IV was initially kept secret, as she was a widow with two sons and from a family of Lancastrian supporters. This union significantly influenced the political landscape, leading to the eventual establishment of the Tudor dynasty (en.wikipedia.org). Elizabeth Woodville’s legacy is marked by her pivotal role in the Wars of the Roses and her direct lineage to the Tudor monarchs, underscoring her significant impact on English history.

9. The Legendary Kingmaker’s Undoing

Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, known as “the Kingmaker,” was a pivotal figure in the Wars of the Roses. Initially a supporter of King Henry VI, he later played a crucial role in placing Edward IV on the throne in 1461. However, a falling out with Edward IV led Warwick to restore Henry VI in 1470. This shift in allegiance culminated in the Battle of Barnet on April 14, 1471, where Warwick’s forces were decisively defeated by Edward IV’s army. Amidst the confusion of the battle, Warwick attempted to flee but was struck down and killed. His death marked the end of his influential role in English politics (britannica.com).

10. A New Dynasty—and a Hybrid Rose

The Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485, marked the end of the Wars of the Roses, with Henry Tudor defeating King Richard III. Following his victory, Henry married Elizabeth of York, uniting the warring houses of Lancaster and York. This union led to the creation of the Tudor rose, combining the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York into a single emblem. The Tudor rose became the national emblem of England, symbolizing peace and unity (royalcentral.co.uk). The emblem features a red rose with a white center, representing the fusion of the two houses. It is prominently displayed in various symbols of England, including the royal coat of arms and the uniforms of the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London. The establishment of the Tudor dynasty by Henry VII and the adoption of the Tudor rose marked a new era in English history, ending decades of civil war and heralding a period of relative stability.

The Legacy of Strange Realities

The Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts between the Houses of Lancaster and York, left an indelible mark on England’s history. The tumultuous period reshaped the monarchy, leading to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty and the unification of the warring factions through the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. This union not only ended decades of civil strife but also introduced the iconic Tudor rose, symbolizing national unity. The wars’ complex narratives of ambition, betrayal, and unexpected twists continue to captivate historians and the public alike, underscoring their profound influence on England’s national identity and the evolution of its monarchy (britannica.com).