History: The War of the Roses

In this course we examine the triumph of the House of York after the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 and assess Edward IV’s victory and subsequent reign. We consider yet another succession crisis following Edward IV’s early death, leading to the brief reign of Richard III (1483-1485) and the victory of Henry Tudor at Bosworth Field. We also look at the challenges to the Tudor monarchy as well as discussion of the wider issues facing England as the Sixteenth Century approached. Princes in towers and Kings in car parks will be included. As ever the course will feature politics, warfare, economics, religion, culture, religion and social history. Each session will feature a wealth of primary source material including art, literature and architecture and the latest academic historical writing as we grapple with the big questions of the age and the way in which history (and Shakespeare) has portrayed these times and why they continue to be the source of lively historical debate as well as having material bearing on the politics and culture of our own times.