History of War. Wars of the Roses

As English troops set sail for home shores after their devastating defeat during the Hundred Years’ War in 1453, few could gladly contemplate the prospect of conflict once more. Yet before the decade was out, England was engaged in a bloody civil war that reshaped the nation’s ruling elite. Incapacitated by mental illness, King Henry VI had retreated from the royal court, his power divided among his most trusted allies. In time he recovered but his advisors had experienced a taste of true power and wanted more. In May 1455, Richard, Duke of York, marched on St Albans. The first clash of the Wars of the Roses had begun. Over the following pages, discover the key battles that shaped the course of the conflict, meet the people who sought power whatever the cost, and find out how the family feud between York and Lancaster gave rise to a new dynasty altogether…