Wars Of The Roses: Lancaster Vs. York Family Tree

The intricate tapestry of the Wars of the Roses is deeply rooted in the complex family tree of the English monarchy, particularly the rivalries between the House of Lancaster and the House of York; these noble houses vied for the throne, their claims intertwined through descent from King Edward III, whose numerous offspring led to a web of alliances and betrayals that fueled decades of conflict, and understanding this lineage is essential to grasping the motives and strategies of key figures.

Ever heard of a family feud that got way out of hand? Think of the Wars of the Roses as England’s most dramatic, blood-soaked, and politically messy family squabble. For over three decades, two powerful families, the House of Lancaster and the House of York, battled for the English throne. It wasn’t just about fancy titles and shiny crowns (though those were definitely part of it); it was about power, survival, and who had the right to rule.

Imagine a real-life Game of Thrones, but with fewer dragons and more… well, more people named Henry and Edward! We’re talking about a time of shifting allegiances, daring betrayals, and enough backstabbing to make even the most seasoned politician blush. Picture this: Kings rising and falling faster than the English weather changes, battles fought with brutal ferocity, and a nation teetering on the brink of chaos.

But fear not, dear reader, because this saga does have an ending. Spoiler alert: It involves a shrewd Welshman named Henry Tudor, who waltzes in, claims the crown, and marries a York princess. This union brought together the warring houses and ushered in the Tudor dynasty, forever changing the course of English history. Get ready for a roller-coaster ride through medieval England – it’s going to be a wild one!

The Seeds of Discord: England in the Mid-15th Century

To understand the Wars of the Roses, you can’t just jump straight into the battles and betrayals. You gotta set the stage! Imagine England in the mid-15th century: a kingdom creaking under its own weight, ripe for a good ol’ fashioned dynastic showdown. Forget the romanticized medieval tales; this was a time of serious political and social unrest, a perfect storm brewing for decades.

Henry VI: A King Not Quite Up to the Task

At the heart of the problem was King Henry VI. Bless his heart, he wasn’t exactly known for his strong leadership. Picture a gentle soul thrust onto a battlefield – that was Henry. He was more interested in religious matters and scholarship than, you know, actually ruling. This weakness created a vacuum of power that ambitious nobles were all too eager to fill. Think of it like a school with a substitute teacher; things are bound to get a little chaotic! The nobility, used to strong-willed Kings like Henry V, started losing respect for the crown and started playing their own games for power.

Claims and Grievances: Fueling the Fire

Now, sprinkle in a healthy dose of competing claims to the throne. See, the line of succession wasn’t exactly crystal clear. Various noble families believed they had a better right to rule than good ol’ Henry. This led to simmering resentments and outright hostility between different factions, particularly the House of Lancaster (Henry’s family) and the House of York.

And let’s not forget the general dissatisfaction among the nobility. They felt excluded from the decision-making process, their voices ignored, and their ambitions thwarted. This resentment bubbled beneath the surface, waiting for a spark to ignite it. This frustration boiled over into a full-blown power struggle. Essentially, everyone wanted a bigger slice of the pie, and they weren’t afraid to fight for it.

So, there you have it: a weak king, rival claims to the throne, and a disgruntled nobility. These were the seeds of discord, the ingredients for a bloody and brutal conflict that would tear England apart.

House Lancaster: Sporting the Red Rose 🌹 and Laying Claim to the Throne 👑

Alright, let’s dive into the red rose crew – House Lancaster! Their claim to the throne? It’s a winding tale that starts with one seriously influential dude: John of Gaunt. Yep, that’s where the Lancastrian lineage kicks off, and it’s a story packed with ambition, bravery, and a good dash of unfortunate circumstances.

Meet the Lancastrians: A Royal Family Album 📸

• Henry IV: The OG Lancastrian king! He was the one who first snagged the crown, setting the stage for all the drama that would follow. Let’s just say, he wasn’t exactly next in line, which added fuel to the fire.

• Henry V: Now, this guy was a legend. A warrior king, famous for his victories in France (think Agincourt!). Sadly, his early death left a power vacuum that helped stir the pot for the Wars of the Roses. Talk about bad timing!

• Henry VI: Oh, dear. Sweet guy, but not exactly the strongest ruler. Prone to bouts of, shall we say, mental instability, he really struggled to keep things together. His weakness was a major chink in the Lancastrian armor.

• Margaret of Anjou: Talk about a powerhouse! Henry VI’s queen was a force to be reckoned with. Smart, politically savvy, and fiercely protective of her son’s claim, she was the driving force behind the Lancastrian efforts for a long time.

Lancastrian Pros & Cons: A Royal SWOT Analysis 🤔

So, what were the Lancastrians working with? On the plus side, they had established themselves as the ruling house for a while. But on the downside, their claim was somewhat shaky from the start, and Henry VI’s weak leadership made them vulnerable. Their rivals, the Yorks, were itching for a chance to pounce, and the stage was set for a royal rumble!

House York: The White Rose Ascendant

Alright, let’s dive into the House of York, shall we? These guys were all about that white rose, and they had a serious claim to the English throne. Their story is a rollercoaster of ambition, power grabs, and enough drama to fill a Shakespearean play (which, incidentally, it did!).

The Yorkist claim wasn’t just pulled out of thin air. They could trace their lineage all the way back to Edward III, just like the Lancastrians. The key difference? The Yorkists felt they had a superior claim, due to some complicated inheritance shenanigans that we won’t get bogged down in (unless you really want to – history textbooks are your friend there!).

Key Yorkist Players

• Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York: Think of Richard as the guy who threw the first punch (or, more accurately, the first serious lawsuit). He was a powerful nobleman who felt Henry VI was doing a terrible job and, being a descendant of Edward III, figured he’d be a much better king himself. He didn’t just sit around complaining; he actively challenged Henry’s rule, igniting the fuse that led to the Wars of the Roses. Sadly for Richard, he met a sticky end at the Battle of Wakefield, but his sons carried on the fight.

• Edward IV: Richard’s eldest son was Edward IV, a charismatic and undeniably handsome dude. He was also a brilliant military leader. Edward seized the throne after his father’s death, proving he was a man of action and not just talk. Edward was a total rockstar of a king, but even rockstars make mistakes (like his secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville – ouch!).

• Richard III: Ah, Richard III. The name alone conjures up images of a hunchbacked villain plotting in the shadows. He’s one of the most controversial figures in English history. Some see him as a ruthless tyrant who murdered his nephews (the Princes in the Tower) to steal the throne. Others argue he was a capable ruler unfairly maligned by Tudor propaganda. Whatever the truth, Richard III’s reign was short and turbulent, ending at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Yorkist Strengths and Weaknesses

So, what made the Yorkists so appealing? Well, many people felt they offered a stronger, more stable government than the Lancastrians, especially under the increasingly erratic Henry VI. They had the support of some of the most powerful nobles in England, and Edward IV’s charisma certainly won them popular support.

However, the Yorkists had their share of weaknesses. Their claim to the throne, while strong, was still disputed, leading to constant challenges. Plus, their internal squabbles and betrayals (looking at you, George, Duke of Clarence!) often undermined their position.

Key Players: The People Behind the Throne

Alright, so the Wars of the Roses wasn’t just a family feud between the big bosses – the Lancasters and the Yorks. Oh no, there were plenty of other characters stirring the pot, pulling strings, and generally making life complicated. These were the folks who might not have been gunning for the throne themselves, but boy, did they have a massive impact on who ended up wearing the crown!

Elizabeth Woodville: The Commoner Queen

First up, we have Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV’s queen. Now, Edward was a handsome fella and when he fell for Elizabeth, a commoner and a widow to boot, it raised a few eyebrows. It wasn’t exactly the done thing to marry someone beneath you in those days. But love conquers all, right? Well, maybe not all. Elizabeth’s family, the Woodvilles, suddenly found themselves in positions of power and influence, and that didn’t sit too well with the established nobility. Their meteoric rise created resentment and envy, adding fuel to the already fiery political climate. Talk about rocking the boat!

George, Duke of Clarence: The Treacherous Brother

Then there’s George, Duke of Clarence, Edward IV’s own brother. Sibling rivalry, eh? George was… well, let’s just say he wasn’t the most stable character. He switched sides more often than most people change their socks, betraying his brother on multiple occasions. He was ambitious, easily swayed, and ultimately, his betrayals destabilized the Yorkist cause. Poor George, sealed in a barrel of Malmsey wine, is the legend.

Cecily Neville, Duchess of York: The Matriarch

Don’t forget Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, the mother of Edward IV, George, and Richard III. This woman was a force to be reckoned with, the ultimate matriarch of the Yorkist clan. She was intelligent, politically astute, and played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping the events of the Wars of the Roses. The unsung hero.

Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick: The Kingmaker

And last but certainly not least, we have Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick, better known as “The Kingmaker.” This guy was a powerhouse. He had the wealth, the influence, and the armies to put kings on the throne… and take them down again. He initially supported the Yorkists, helping Edward IV seize power, but later switched his allegiance to the Lancastrians, briefly restoring Henry VI to the throne. Warwick’s shifting allegiances dramatically altered the course of the war, making him one of the most fascinating and influential figures of the entire conflict. What a resume!

Strategic Marriages: Power, Politics, and Progeny

Ah, marriage! Not just for love and companionship in the 15th century. Oh no, in the world of the Wars of the Roses, it was basically a royal game of chess, where each nuptial was a carefully calculated move to secure power, forge alliances, and, you know, pop out heirs to keep the game going. Let’s dive into the oh-so-dramatic world of strategic marriages, where saying “I do” could mean life or death for your entire house.

Royal Romances (or Not): When the Crown Calls

Think about it: marrying a king or queen wasn’t exactly like swiping right on Tinder. These royal unions were huge deals, shifting the entire political landscape. Take Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, for instance. Edward, being the dashing Yorkist king, went and married a commoner (gasp!) with a huge family (double gasp!). It totally ruffled feathers amongst the nobility, who felt slighted by this upstart queen and her ambitious kin. It was a match that shook the foundation of the kingdom.

Keeping it in the Family: The Cousin Connection

Now, let’s talk about those cozy cousin marriages. Seems a bit weird today, but back then, it was all about keeping the bloodline pure and the power concentrated. Enter Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou. This wasn’t exactly a fairytale romance; it was more like a political arrangement to secure the Lancastrian claim. Margaret, though, she ended up being the real powerhouse, steering the ship while Henry was, shall we say, otherwise occupied. Talk about a power couple!

The Nevilles: Marrying Across the Aisle

And then we have the Neville family, master players in the marriage game. Warwick, the Kingmaker? He was like the ultimate wedding planner – but instead of flowers and seating charts, he was arranging marriages that could topple kings. His daughters married into both the Lancastrian and Yorkist camps, creating a web of alliances that shifted with the winds of war. Anne Neville herself was quite the pawn, bouncing around marriages that could make or break kingdoms. It’s like a medieval soap opera, filled with drama, betrayal, and the occasional beheading.

Battles and Bloodshed: Key Conflicts of the Wars

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the really juicy part of the Wars of the Roses: the battles! Forget polite political squabbles; this was a full-blown, blood-soaked family feud fought on fields all across England. We’re not just talking skirmishes here; these were clashes that decided who wore the crown and who ended up six feet under (or maybe a bit more if the crows had their way). Each battle was a brutal turning point, a gamble with kings and kingdoms as the stakes. Let’s march!

Battle of Wakefield (December 30, 1460): York’s Sunset

Picture this: it’s bleak midwinter. The House of York, led by Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York, is feeling pretty confident. But surprise! The Lancastrians, under the fierce Margaret of Anjou, are ready to rumble near Wakefield. This one’s a disaster for the Yorkists. Richard of York is killed in the battle, his head infamously displayed on the walls of York. It’s a major Lancastrian victory and a grim omen for the Yorkist cause. The old guard is out and his son, Edward, takes the throne. What a way to start!

Battle of Towton (March 29, 1461): A Bloody Easter

Fast forward a few months, and it’s Easter. But instead of chocolate eggs and bunnies, we’ve got one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on English soil. The Yorkists, now led by the newly crowned Edward IV, clash with the Lancastrians at Towton. The weather is awful—snow, wind, you name it—and the fighting is brutal, hand-to-hand, utterly merciless. When the snow settled on this day, Edward IV secured his claim to the throne (for now!). This victory solidified the Yorkist reign, at least for a little while.

Battle of Tewkesbury (May 4, 1471): Death of the Lancastrian Hope

Years pass, and the Lancastrians make a comeback attempt. Queen Margaret lands back in England to lead an army, but at Tewkesbury, the Yorkists, still under Edward IV, crush them. This battle is a total wipeout for the Lancastrians. Edward of Westminster, the young Prince of Wales and Lancastrian heir, is killed, and Margaret of Anjou is captured. This essentially ends the major Lancastrian challenge to Edward IV’s rule. Ouch.

Battle of Bosworth Field (August 22, 1485): End of an Era

Now, let’s jump to Bosworth Field. Richard III, the last Yorkist king, faces Henry Tudor (the future Henry VII). Richard’s got the crown, but his reputation is… let’s say tarnished. The battle is fierce, but Richard is betrayed (or perhaps just outmaneuvered). He dies in battle, reportedly with the cry “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!” Henry Tudor wins the day, becoming Henry VII and founding the Tudor dynasty. Boom! The Wars of the Roses are officially over.

Consider adding a map of England highlighting key battle locations, because who doesn’t love a good visual aid when we’re talking about a war that sprawled across the entire country? It’ll really bring home just how widespread this conflict was!

The Princes in the Tower: A Cold Case Fit for a King (or Two!)

Alright, buckle up, history buffs and mystery lovers, because we’re diving headfirst into one of the biggest unsolved cases in English history: the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. We’re talking about young Edward V and his little bro, Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. These two lads, heirs to the throne, vanished from the Tower of London in 1483 and were never seen again. Spooky, right?

Who Done It? The Usual Suspects

So, what happened to these royal rugrats? Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Over the centuries, a whole host of theories have popped up, each more dramatic than the last. But the most popular, and perhaps most chilling, points the finger at their uncle, Richard III.

Richard, you see, was Lord Protector after his brother, Edward IV, kicked the bucket. The young Edward V was supposed to inherit the throne, but Richard conveniently declared him illegitimate (ouch!) and seized the crown for himself. Poof, suddenly the princes are chilling in the Tower of London… and then, poof, they’re gone.

Now, did Richard order their deaths to secure his claim? That’s what many believe. After all, dead princes can’t challenge a king, can they? Plus, this theory plays perfectly into the image Shakespeare painted of Richard III as a power-hungry villain.

The Defense Rests… Maybe?

But hold your horses! Not everyone’s convinced of Richard’s guilt. Some historians argue that there’s no solid proof he had the princes bumped off. They point to other possible suspects, like Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, or even Henry VII, who defeated Richard III and established the Tudor dynasty. Maybe one of them wanted to clear the way for their own ambitions?

It’s also worth noting that back in those days, royal kids were often pawns in political games. Maybe they were secretly whisked away to safety, or perhaps they succumbed to illness (the Tower wasn’t exactly the Ritz, you know).

The Verdict? Still Out!

The truth is, we’ll probably never know for sure what happened to Edward and Richard. The case is colder than a medieval dungeon, and the evidence is as murky as the Thames on a foggy morning.

But that’s what makes it so fascinating, isn’t it? The mystery of the Princes in the Tower continues to intrigue and captivate us, reminding us that history is full of secrets and unanswered questions. So, keep those theories coming, folks! Maybe one day, someone will crack this royal cold case once and for all.

Legal and Political Intrigue: Claims, Legitimacy, and Attainder

Ah, the Wars of the Roses – it wasn’t just about pretty flowers and battlefield brawls, was it? Underneath all that clashing armor and dramatic showdowns, a tangled web of legal and political issues fueled the entire conflict. It was like a high-stakes game of thrones, but with way more lawyers (well, not exactly lawyers as we know them, but you get the idea!). Understanding these legal and political intricacies is key to unlocking the full story behind who thought they had the right to wear the crown.

Claims to the Throne: Who Deserves to be King (or Queen)?

At the heart of the matter were the claims to the throne. It wasn’t as simple as just being born into the royal family. There were different rules and interpretations flying around, each house conveniently favoring the one that put them closest to the crown. Some based their claims on direct descent, while others argued for inheritance through the female line. And let’s not forget those who believed that military might made right! It was a royal free-for-all, with everyone grabbing at the crown and shouting, “It’s mine! No, it’s mine!”

Bastardy and Legitimacy: The Scandalous Side of Succession

Then we have the juicy stuff: bastardy and legitimacy. In a time when royal blood was everything, the circumstances of one’s birth could make or break a claim. If there was even a whisper of doubt about someone’s parents being properly married, their claim could crumble faster than a gingerbread castle in a hurricane. Accusations of illegitimacy were powerful weapons, used to discredit rivals and cast shadows on their lineage. Talk about family drama!

Attainder: Stripping Enemies of Everything (But Their Heads, Usually)

And finally, we have the dreaded attainder. This was a legal process that allowed the ruling monarch to strip enemies of their rights, titles, lands, and even their very lives (though sometimes they skipped the “lives” part). It was like hitting the “delete” button on someone’s existence, politically speaking. Attainder was used to punish opponents, eliminate threats, and confiscate their wealth. It was a brutal tool, wielded with ruthless efficiency by both sides of the conflict.

From Welsh Roots to Royal Ambitions: The Tudor Ascent

The Tudor dynasty didn’t just pop out of thin air; their story is one of shrewd maneuvering, opportune alliances, and a dash of Welsh pride. Let’s rewind a bit and see how this family rose from relative obscurity to snatch the English throne. It all begins with Owen Tudor, a Welsh courtier who, shall we say, caught the eye of Queen Catherine of Valois, the widow of the legendary Henry V. It was a scandalous match, and while the exact details of their relationship are shrouded in mystery, they had children, thus planting the seed of the Tudor claim.

Henry VII: The Ultimate Survivor and Strategist

Fast forward a few generations, and we arrive at Henry VII. Henry wasn’t exactly next in line for the throne, far from it but he possessed something far more valuable: determination and the bloodline. He was a descendant of John of Gaunt (just like the Lancasters), but his claim was…well, tenuous at best. Yet, amidst the chaos and carnage of the Wars of the Roses, Henry saw his chance. He gathered support, faced Richard III at Bosworth Field, and, against all odds, won the crown. Talk about an underdog story!

The Queen Who United a Kingdom: Elizabeth of York

However, Henry was no fool. He knew that to truly secure his reign, he needed to unite the warring factions. Enter Elizabeth of York, the daughter of Edward IV, and thus, a Yorkist princess. By marrying her, Henry cleverly merged the red rose of Lancaster with the white rose of York, creating the iconic Tudor rose and symbolizing the end of the bloody conflict. It was a political masterstroke that cemented his legitimacy and ushered in a new era of peace (well, relatively speaking!).

The Power Behind the Throne: Margaret Beaufort

And let’s not forget the unsung hero of the Tudor story: Margaret Beaufort, Henry VII’s mother. This woman was a force to be reckoned with! Fiercely intelligent, politically astute, and deeply devout, Margaret was a key advisor and strategist for her son. She navigated the treacherous waters of court politics with skill and determination, helping Henry secure his claim and establish the Tudor dynasty. Truly, a queen maker.

Uniting the Roses: The Tudor Rose and a New Era

Picture this: two families, the Lancasters and the Yorks, have been at each other’s throats for decades, turning England into their own personal battleground. Red versus White, blood spilled, and crowns changing heads faster than you can say “treason.” But hold on! Just when you thought the drama was never-ending, a glimmer of hope appears in the form of a wedding. Enter Henry Tudor, a Lancastrian with a shrewd mind and a strong claim, who decides that the best way to end the war is not through more fighting, but through marriage.

He sets his sights on Elizabeth of York, the daughter of Edward IV – a Yorkist princess with the blood of kings and queens flowing through her veins. Their marriage wasn’t just a union of two people; it was a symbol – a big, flashy, politically-charged symbol that screamed, “We’re done fighting! Let’s build a new future together!” This union of the red and white roses, marked the start of a new era for England.

But what’s a symbol without a good logo? The Tudor rose came into being—a beautiful blend of the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York. It’s like a peace treaty you can pin on your lapel, a constant reminder that unity is better than endless squabbles.

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Henry VII’s Master Plan

Henry VII wasn’t just a romantic; he was a politician. Marrying Elizabeth was a brilliant move, but it was just the beginning. To make sure his new dynasty stuck around, he got down to brass tacks, implementing policies that would make him the undisputed boss of England.

Think of him as a medieval CEO, streamlining the government, cracking down on rebellious nobles (no more backyard battles!), and filling the royal coffers (gotta pay for those lavish Tudor parties, right?). He knew that a stable kingdom meant a happy kingdom, and a happy kingdom meant fewer chances for someone to try and steal his crown. By centralizing power and establishing a new order, Henry VII laid the foundation for the powerful Tudor dynasty that would shape England for generations to come. It was a savvy move that made the Tudors an important name in English history.

Landmarks of the Wars: Visiting England’s Historic Sites

Ready to walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, and maybe even a few scheming dukes? The Wars of the Roses left their mark all over England, and you can still visit the places where history literally went down. So, pack your bags, brush up on your Lancastrian vs. Yorkist trivia, and get ready for a trip through time!

Tower of London: More Than Just a Pretty Fortress

Ah, the Tower of London, a place that’s seen it all! From royal residence to notorious prison and grisly execution site, this fortress has played a starring role in English history. During the Wars of the Roses, it served as a strategic stronghold and a place of imprisonment for many key figures. Imagine walking the same grounds where allegedly the Princes in the Tower met their end, or where so many nobles awaited their fate. It’s a chilling but fascinating experience!

Westminster Abbey: Where Kings Were Crowned (and Buried)

From one iconic landmark to another! Westminster Abbey isn’t just a pretty church; it’s where English monarchs have been crowned, married, and laid to rest for centuries. During the Wars of the Roses, it was the site of high-stakes coronations and somber funeral processions. Picture the pomp and circumstance surrounding Edward IV’s coronation or the memorial services held for those who fell in battle. Plus, bonus points for spotting the tombs of key players in the conflict!

Battlefield Sites: Where Roses Bloomed Red (and White)

Finally, for the truly dedicated history buffs, a visit to the battlefields is a must! Sites like Bosworth Field, where Richard III met his end and Henry Tudor claimed the throne, offer a chance to connect with the raw reality of war. Similarly, Tewkesbury, another crucial Yorkist victory, allows you to imagine the clash of armies and the shifting tides of power. Though now peaceful fields, these locations were once scenes of intense conflict. Many have visitor centers and marked trails, so you can explore the landscape and immerse yourself in the history.

The Legacy of the Wars of the Roses: Shaping England’s Future

So, the dust has settled after Bosworth Field, the last clash of the big boys, and Richard III is probably still causing arguments about where he is buried. What did all that red and white rose business actually leave behind? Was it just a load of dead nobles and a confusing family tree for future historians to untangle? Nah, mate, it was way more than that.

Think of the Wars of the Roses as the ultimate stress test for the English monarchy. All that squabbling over the throne, the backstabbing, the sudden changes of king (or alleged king) forced the system to adapt. It was like evolution, but with more swords and significantly less Darwin.

The most significant change? The rise of the Tudors. Now, Henry VII wasn’t exactly strolling into power with a squeaky-clean claim, was he? He had to earn it, and he did it by being ruthless, smart, and incredibly good at consolidating power. The Wars of the Roses basically gave the Tudors a blank slate to build a stronger, more centralized government. All that feudal power that had been up for grabs? Henry grabbed it. No more messing around with over-mighty nobles; the king was in charge.

And the fascination? C’mon, what’s not to love? We’ve got family feuds, battles, betrayals, possible murder mysteries. It’s basically “Game of Thrones,” but with slightly worse special effects (sorry, re-enactors!). But seriously, the Wars of the Roses is a reminder that even in the most seemingly stable societies, power is always a fragile thing. It’s a story of ambition, loss, and the constant struggle to define what it means to be a ruler. Plus, it gave us the Tudor dynasty, and without them, who knows where we’d be? Probably still arguing about which rose is prettier.

So, there you have it – a quick peek into the tangled family tree of the Wars of the Roses. It’s a wild ride of ambition, betrayal, and, well, a whole lot of cousins fighting for the throne. Hopefully, this helps you keep your Yorks and Lancasters straight!