Portrait of Lord Melvyn Bragg, host of In Our Time

Civil wars of the Middle Ages

The Wars of the Roses, known at the time and in following centuries as the Civil Wars, were a series of civil wars fought over control of the English throne from 1455 to 1487. The wars were fought between supporters of the House of Lancaster and House of York, two rival cadet branches of the royal House of Plantagenet.

2 episodes

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  1. The Second Barons' War

    Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the vicious war (1264-7) that followed Simon de Montfort's seizure of power from Henry III and his family while supporting new, broader parliaments.

    6 May 2021

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    Featuring: David Carpenter, Louise Wilkinson, Sophie Thérèse Ambler

     
  2. The Wars of the Roses

    Melvyn Bragg discusses the 15th century wars between the royal Houses of Lancaster and York. Do they represent the breakdown of the feudal system or has the political instability been overstated?

    18 May 2000

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    Featuring: Helen Castor, Colin Richmond, Stephen Gunn