Background:
- The Wars of the Roses were a long-standing conflict between the rival noble families of York and Lancaster vying for control of the English throne.
- Richard III, of the House of York, had recently ascended to the throne after the controversial disappearance of his nephews, the "Princes in the Tower," the rightful heirs of the York line.
Henry Tudor's Claim to the Throne:
- Henry Tudor was the son of Margaret Beaufort, a direct descendant of King John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster. His claim to the throne was through the Lancastrian line.
- Henry's claim gained widespread support among nobles opposed to Richard III's reign, who saw him as an illegitimate usurper.
The Battle of Bosworth Field:
- Henry gathered an army and sailed from France to Milford Haven in Wales, gaining support from Welsh nobles and landowners as he marched toward England.
- Richard III, aware of Henry's invasion, assembled his forces and met Henry's army at Bosworth Field, near the town of Market Bosworth in Leicestershire.
- The battle commenced with charges from both sides. Richard's forces were initially successful, routing the vanguard of Henry's army led by Sir John Savage.
Henry's Victory:
- At a crucial moment, Lord Thomas Stanley, who had been hesitant in his support for either side, brought reinforcements for Henry.
- With this added force, Henry's army renewed their assault, and the battle intensified. Richard himself charged into the melee, targeting Henry directly, but was surrounded by Henry's household troops.
- Richard was unhorsed and killed in the combat. With his death, the Lancastrian forces emerged victorious, and Henry VII was hailed as the rightful king.
Crowning of Henry VII:
- After triumphing at Bosworth, Henry marched to London, where he officially claimed the throne and had himself crowned as King Henry VII on October 30, 1485.
- To strengthen his hold on power and unite the rival houses, Henry VII married Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV and sister of the slain princes. This union effectively merged the York and Lancaster claims, bringing an end to the Wars of the Roses.
Legacy of Henry VII:
- Henry VII established the Tudor dynasty, which ruled England for over a century.
- His reign marked a period of stability and peace after years of turmoil. Henry's shrewd policies, like taxation reforms, improved the financial stability of the kingdom and strengthened the monarchy's authority.
The Battle of Bosworth Field was a pivotal event in English history, as it saw Henry Tudor's victory over Richard III and the end of the Wars of the Roses. Henry's triumph brought together the rival factions and paved the way for a more unified and prosperous England under the Tudor dynasty.