house of York and the other was the House of Lancaster. The war began in 1455 when Lancaster family seized the throne in 1399 and felt that Henry IV,V and VI were not the rightful kings. According to the Barons, the York family cousin of the Lancaster family were truly entitled to reign.

Each house was represented by a rose. The house of York had a white one and the house of Lancaster a red rose. This is why this long bitter quarrel was called the wars of the Roses. Henry Tudor, a Lancastrian defeated Richard III , a Yorkist in 1485 at the battle of Bosworth field.

In that battle only 100 men of Henry's died, compared to 1000 of Richard's. The bodies were brought to St. James church at Darlington for burial, however Richard's tomb was long uncertain as the church was demolished later. Now it has been confirmed that Richard's remains are found in the church of Leicester.

Later Henry's marriage with Elizabeth daughter of Edward IV marked the end of the feud between the two houses.

Henry Tudor was crowned as king Henry VII and reigned for 118 years.

Richard's reign began in 1483 when he was handed the throne after his twelve year old nephew was declared illegitimate and ineligible for the throne. Richard's support was eroded by rumours of his involvement in the death of his wife.

Henry Tudor took advantage of these rumours and other problems of Richard and challenged his claim to the throne. Henry's first attempt wasn't successful due to high winds and ill weather in 1483, but his second attempt in 1485 he reached unopposed on the southwest coast of wales.

Richard's army intercepted Henry's south of Market-Bosworth in Leicestershire.

Some local forces brought their men but held back while they decided which side it would be more advantageous to support. Richard's battle planning was very poor. He divided his army but Henry kept most of his force together.

He placed his army under experienced command. Sir William Stanley played an important role. He led his men to Henry's aid,surrounding and killing Richard's army.

After the battle Henry was crowned king below an oak tree in nearby Stoke Goldin, now a residential garden. Henry rule was very successful and later on he had two sons. King Arthur and King Henry VIII.

Starting from left: King Henry VII and signature,

Richard III and signature, and Tudor rose.