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Teacher Notes

KS2 Britain and the wider world in Tudor times Chronological understanding 1 Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past 2 Historical interpretation 3 Historical enquiry 4 Organisation and communication 5

This activity involves the children reading for information of the past and then answering various questions to enable them to interpret what they have learnt.

The War of the Roses

For thirty years the houses of Lancaster and York had fought the Wars of Roses. Thirteen battles had been fought, with a loss of over 100,000 lives. The House of York had a white rose for their symbol and the House of Lancaster had a red rose.

On Monday, August 22 1485, the two leaders of the two houses faced each other on the field of battle. The field was Ambion Hill near Market Bosworth Leicestershire, the Plantagenet King of the House of York, Richard III, waited with his army of twelve-thousand troops.

A mile to the west were 5000 men under Henry Tudor, the Earl of Richmond. Henry was the lead house of Lancaster, and a claimant to the throne of England.

Henry had assembled his force at the French port of Harfleur, with only two-thousand French mercenaries, five-hundred loyal English, and some artillery supplied by King Charles VIII of France. He was accompanied by a private guard of faithful followers, which were later to form the Yeomen of the Guard.

He set sail August first, and landed at Milford Haven in Wales on August 7. He hoped more supporters would rally to his cause once he landed. Once ashore, he marched Northeast toward Shrewsbury. He was joined at Newtown five days later with a welcome of two-thousand men.

Henry continued the advance, flying the banner of the Red Dragon to show welsh descent, and rally supporters. Henry's army numbered about five-thousand.

When dawn broke on the battle day the armies moved to their battle positions. Richard III placed eight-thousand bowmen and footsoldiers on the west slope of Ambion Hill.

Henry decided to attack, with the main body going up Ambion Hill.

Hand to hand fighting ensued. Richard III's men fell back, and there was a lull in the fighting.

Richard had an opportunity to attack and overwhelm Henry Tudor. Drawing his sword, he joined the hand-to-hand fighting that must soon bring him victory.

The impact was overwhelming. Richard was unhorsed on the first onslaught, and another horse was brought. He was urged to escape, but he plunged back into the fray, where he was cut down and killed.

It was the end. The army of York withdrew, and fled southward pursued by the triumphant Lancastrians. The Wars of the Roses were over.

A Weary Henry Tudor gathered his forces together and set his standard on a small rise to the south now called Crown Hill. He thanked and congratulated his companions in arms.

A soldier found the golden crown that Richard had been wearing on top of his helmet so he would be easily recognized. It had been found in a thorn bush near the spot where Richard fell. The Crown was placed on Henry Tudor's head, declaring him "Henry VII, King of England".

Henry Tudor Richard III

What was the colour of the rose belonging to the house of York?
What was the colour of the rose belonging to the house of Lancaster?
Where was the last battle held of the War of the Roses?
Which country did Henry Tudor assemble an army?
When did the battle of Bosworth happen?
How did Richard III die?
Where was the crown found?
Henry became the first what?

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