In this second and concluding part on the Causes of the Wars of the Roses, Henry VI fails in his kingly duties, and rival factions were gain strength across England. Two houses had emerged: The House of Lancaster with Henry at its head, and the House of York with Richard Duke of York the main man. The Yorkists were joined by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and known as the kingmaker, though my guests today are sceptical as to his political achievements.

Derek Birks and David Pilling return and we discuss the two houses, the rise of York and the faltering Lancasters, and the Kingmaker himself as momentum builds to the street fight that was the Battle of St. Albans in 1455.

Links

A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks

Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling

Kingmaker Board Game

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