In England the war of the roses began in May 1455, with the first battle at St. Albans. The last armed engagement was at Stokes, in 1487; just over 30 years of grievances between two families, The Family of York, which was headed by Richard, Duke of York. The Family of Lancaster had at its Henry VI. Richard (who until the birth of Edward, Prince of Wales, was Henry's heir) was replaced by Henry's cousin, Somerset, in the position of Lieutenant of France.
When Henry fell ill, Richard took his revenge by proclaiming himself Protector of England, and sending Somerset to The Tower. With the recovery of the king, Richard was removed, Somerset was released, and the rivalry quickly escalated into the conflict that became known as the war of the roses. From St. Albans in 1455 (where Somerset met his death) to Wakefield in 1460 (where Richard, Duke of York was killed), it was cousin against cousin, supporter against supporter, sometimes brother against brother. Treachery and betrayal were t ...more