The Origins of the “Wars of the Roses” as a Term

A. Lack of Contemporary Usage

Historical records indicate that the term “Wars of the Roses” was not used during the 15th century.

• Contemporary chroniclers documented battles and politics but did not collectively name the period.
  
  


• The term appeared in the late 17th century and became popularized in the 19th century by historians and literary figures.
  
  

B. The Symbolism of the Roses

• The red and white roses became associated with Lancaster and York in the later Tudor period.
  
  


• The Tudor rose—a combination of red and white—symbolized the union of the two houses after Henry Tudor (Henry VII) married Elizabeth of York.
  
  

  The Tudor Dynasty: Rise and Historical Narrative

A. Henry Tudor’s Claim and Ascendancy

Henry Tudor claimed the throne through his mother, a Lancastrian descendant. His defeat of Richard III, the last Yorkist king, at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 ended the conflict.

• By marrying Elizabeth of York, Henry sought to unify the warring factions.
  
  


• This marriage created a powerful symbol of reconciliation.
  
  

B. Tudor Political Strategy and Propaganda

The Tudors were astute political operators who understood the power of symbolism and narrative.

1. The Tudor Rose Symbol:
   
   
   
   
   
   • A unification emblem combining the red and white roses.
     
     
   
   
   • Promoted to symbolize peace and unity under Tudor rule.
     
     
   
   
   
   


2. Literary and Artistic Promotion:
   
   
   
   
   
   • The Tudors patronized writers and artists who portrayed their reign as the rightful resolution of the chaos.
     
     
   
   
   • William Shakespeare’s history plays, commissioned during the Tudor reign, popularized the dramatic narrative of Yorkist villainy and Tudor legitimacy.
     
     
   
   
   
   


3. Historiographical Control:
   
   
   
   
   
   • The Tudor court encouraged the writing of histories that framed the Wars of the Roses as a conflict of disorder resolved by the Tudors.
     
     
   
   
   • This narrative helped justify their rule and delegitimize previous monarchs like Richard III. shutdown123