The House of York was the famous lineage in the War of the Roses, which originated with Edmund of Langley – a son of King Edward III. He had three sons: Edward, Richard and George who all served as earls and dukes after him. This esteemed family lineage continued until it ended at Richard III’s reign; he didn’t have any legitimate children so when he perished in battle, his brother’s son Henry Tudor became King Henry VII shortly thereafter and established the House of Tudor dynasty.
The lineage of Richard, Duke of York spanned across numerous noble families in Europe such as the Scottish House of Stuart, Spanish House of Habsburg and French House of Valois. This became especially pertinent during the War for Roses where two branches from the same family vied for control over England’s throne – namely Henry VI from the Lancastrians and Edward IV from Yorks. After a prolonged civil war between them, their respective forces were defeated by Richard III who eventually founded his own cadet branch known as Tudors.
In 1603, Queen Elizabeth I of the House of Tudor passed away without a direct heir to succeed her. Consequently, King James VI from Scotland inherited the throne and inaugurated the royal House of Stuart. Even though these three dynasties have been extinct for centuries now, their noble blood still flows through today’s British monarch: Queen Elizabeth II is an illustrious family member whose lineage connects to both York and Lancashire Houses!
Centuries after the War of the Roses, another internal conflict rocked England: the English Civil War. The Royalists–whose ranks were largely comprised of aristocrats with ties to those involved in past Wars of the Roses, such as from York’s House–took on Parliamentarians in this bloody skirmish. Even today, we can feel echoes from that long ago clash between two families; many genealogies still trace back to Plantagenet roots. Indeed, its memory lingers on!
What is the War of the Roses?
From 1455-1485, England experienced civil strife in what is now known as The War of the Roses. This fought between two opposing sides hailing from the House of York–the Lancastrians and Yorkists—ultimately ended with victory for the latter which solidified their rise to power as a new dynasty that would take its place in history: The House of Tudor.
Who was the last king of the House of York?
Tragically, Richard III’s death in 1485 brought an end to the War of the Roses and signified a new start for the subsequent royal bloodline – The House of Tudor. As such, he was both the last king from The House of York and symbolically laid out a pathway into monarchy’s future.
What is the current British monarch descended from?
Queen Elizabeth II is proudly part of the legacy of both Houses of York and Lancaster, descending from either dynasty through various separate lines. Additionally, Her Majesty can trace her lineage back to Richard III, a former king belonging to the House of York.
Who fought in the English Civil War?
The English Civil War saw two warring factions – the Royalists, largely composed of members of families who had fought during the Wars of the Roses, and Parliamentarians. Ultimately, it was Parliamentary forces that emerged victorious; Charles I was tried for high treason then executed, spelling an end to monarchy in England and ushering in a period known as the Commonwealth.
What is the legacy of the War of the Roses?
Centuries later, the legacy of the War of the Roses still persists today–through family trees that can be traced back to medieval England, grand monuments and buildings erected at that time. It serves as a glaring reminder of how powerful families become if left unchecked and also illustrates how civil wars have had significant effects on our past. Furthermore, some kinfolk from Richard III’s bloodline are even living among us presently!
What is the House of Tudor?
The House of Tudor, established by Henry VII after his victorious battle against Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 and concluded with Queen Elizabeth I’s passing without an heir in 1603. It marked its reign over England through two English monarchs – Henry VIII and Elizabeth I who are renowned for their spiritual reforms as well as furthering the British Empire’s boundaries. With her departure, King James VI of Scotland ascended to be King James I of England which set off a new era under the lordship of House Stuart.
What other civil wars occurred in England?
Besides the War of the Roses, England experienced yet another bloody civil war in the seventeenth century: The English Civil War. This battle between Parliamentarians and Royalists ultimately resulted in Charles I’s overthrow, his execution, and a period called the Commonwealth.
Who were the Plantagenets?
The Plantagenets, who held control of England from 1154 to 1485, left a huge mark in English history. From their active involvement with wars like the War of the Roses, to broadening and diversifying the language itself – they were truly formidable players on medieval Europe’s stage. Even centuries later, we can still feel the far-reaching effects of this influential dynasty!
I’ve always been interested in DNA testing and genealogy. My DNA testing research is approved by my teachers at the Boston University of Genealogy. I’ve been following DNA testing’s rise since its first appearance in 2006.
