However he went against their advice and made many unpopular decisions. In 1382 Richard began to take over the rule of England, but retained advisers. John of Gaunt had inherited the title Earl of Lancaster after his father-in-law had died in 1361. Richard was a minor so the country was ruled by his uncle, John of Gaunt, fourth son of Edward III as regent. Edward’s eldest son, Edward, the Black Prince, had died in 1376.

His grandson, Richard, aged 10 years became King Richard II. Members of the House of Lancaster are shown in red and those of the House of York in white.īackground to the Wars of the Roses King Richard II Coronation Portrait Richard II and John of Gaunt The family tree of King Edward III shows the two houses that fought the Wars of the Roses. It was called the Wars of the Roses because the House of Lancaster was represented by the red rose and the House of York was represented by the white rose. The Wars of the Roses is the name given to a series of conflicts in the fifteenth century fought between the members of the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

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