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The Wars of the Roses (1455 to 1485)

Study note

In 1455 a civil war broke out in England over who had the right to be king. It is known as the Wars of the Roses because of the badges worn by the two rival sides. The fighting was between the House of Lancaster, whose symbol was a red rose, and the House of York, whose symbol was a white rose.

The struggle dragged on for thirty years before reaching its decisive moment. The wars finally ended in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field, a clash that settled the question of the throne for good.

At Bosworth, King Richard III of the House of York was killed in battle. His defeat opened the way for Henry Tudor of the House of Lancaster, who became King Henry VII, the first king of the new Tudor dynasty. For the test, hold on to the years 1455 to 1485, the red rose of Lancaster and white rose of York, the battle of Bosworth Field, and the death of Richard III.

Memory tip: Roses 1455 to 1485: Lancaster red, York white; ends at Bosworth Field 1485.

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Question 1 of 5

The Wars of the Roses were fought between which two houses?

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Show all questions and answers for The Wars of the Roses (1455 to 1485)(5 questions with explanations)

The Wars of the Roses (1455 to 1485): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. The Wars of the Roses were fought between which two houses?

    • Lancaster and York
    • Normandy and Wessex
    • Tudor and Stuart
    • England and Scotland

    Correct answer: Lancaster and York

    The Wars of the Roses were fought between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

  2. 2. Which colour rose was the symbol of the House of Lancaster?

    • Yellow
    • Blue
    • White
    • Red

    Correct answer: Red

    The red rose was the symbol of the House of Lancaster; York's was the white rose.

  3. 3. At which 1485 battle did the Wars of the Roses end?

    • The Battle of Bosworth Field
    • The Battle of Hastings
    • The Battle of Agincourt
    • The Battle of Bannockburn

    Correct answer: The Battle of Bosworth Field

    The Wars of the Roses ended at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

  4. 4. Which king of the House of York was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field?

    • King John
    • Edward I
    • Richard III
    • Henry V

    Correct answer: Richard III

    King Richard III of York was killed at Bosworth Field in 1485.

  5. 5. In which year did the Wars of the Roses begin, ending in 1485?

    • 1066
    • 1348
    • 1215
    • 1455

    Correct answer: 1455

    The Wars of the Roses ran from 1455 to 1485.

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