The English population, were angry at the conduct of the 100 Years War, and resented high taxes, paying for a war, which lost them all of their land in France. Two ducal houses were competing for the throne. One of which was the House of York , the other the House of Lancaster, also known as the Beauforts. Richard, The Duke of York, descended from the 3rd son of Edward III and believed he had superior claim to the throne, as Henry VI, from the House of Lancaster descended from the 4th. 1450 - The Kentish Rebellion reflected a breakdown in law and order. Richard forced Henry VI to recognise him as heir. 1453 - Henry went temporarily insane. Margaret gave birth to a son, who naturally took precidence over Richard.

1454 - The King recovered slightly and Richard took up arms, hence marking the beginning of this 30 year war. Lancastrians with a Red Rose, and the Yorkists with White. 1455 - Richard had victory at the Battle of St Albans 1459 - Richard and his supporters fled the country and returned in 1460 - To win the Battle of Northampton. Teaming with Warwick who took Henry VI prisoner Margaret continued to fight and won at the Battle of Wakefield, where Richard was killed Edward, Richards son took over. 1461 - Battle of Towton

1465 - Edward was crowned King, becoming Edward IV. Margaret and Henry VI fled to Scotland, and Henry was again recaptured. 1469 - Earl of Warwick, changing sides, and the Duke of Clarence plotted against Edward IV, and in 1470, forced Edward to flee to Flanders. 1470 - Henry VI restored as King. Edward returned and won the Battle of Barnet, where Warwick was killed. 1471 - Margaret was defeated at the Battle of Tewkesbury and imprisoned. Henry VI was beheaded in April of the same year.