This was the first battle in what were called the “Wars of the Roses”—a name applied to them because the emblem of the Lancastrians was a red, and that of the Yorkists a white rose. Several causes combined to bring about the struggle. The principal were—1, the feeble and unwarlike character of the king; and 2, the resolute determination of the queen and the Somerset family that Henry should retain the crown, and that the succession should vest in his son.
1456. Recovery of the king and removal of the protector.
1458. Hollow reconciliation of the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions.
1459. Renewal of the Civil War. The Lancastrians, under Lord Audley, defeated by the Yorkists, under the earl of Salisbury, at Bloreheath (Sept. 23).
1460. The Lancastrians, under the duke of Buckingham, defeated at Northampton by the Yorkists, under the earl of Warwick (July 10). The duke of York defeated and slain by the queen’s forces at Wakefield Green (Dec. 31).
1461. Edward, earl of March (son and heir of Richard), defeated the Lancastrians, under the earl of Pembroke, at Mortimer’s Cross (Feb. 2). Margaret defeated the Yorkists under the earl of Warwick at St. Alban’s (Feb. 17). Edward a few days after reached London, and was acknowledged king (Mar. 4).
In the early part of this reign it was enacted that county members must be elected by freeholders whose estates were worth at least 40s. a year.
THE HOUSE OF YORK.
Edward IV.