A Slice of Medieval

1463-4 With the Yorkists closing in, the Lancastrians are very much in the Last Chance Saloon and running out of options. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

In 1462, the fortunes of the House of Lancaster hang by a thread - can they recover? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

The battle of Towton has given Edward IV the throne, but can he keep it? Queen Margaret is working hard to ensure that he does not. But first she needs to find a few allies... Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

At last the struggle reaches its first great climax, at Towton in 1461. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Richard Duke of York and his chief ally, the Earl of Salisbury, are dead. It's time for youth to play its part... Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

The Yorkists have possession of the king and are in the ascendant - it's 1455 all over again, isn't it? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

The Duke of York is in Ireland but the hyperactive Earl of Warwick is on the move! Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

At last the talking stops and the fighting begins - yes, but as always, nothing is ever straightforward in the Wars of the Roses... Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

With all the major combatants heading for Ludlow in 1459, I take a moment to assess the motives of those involved. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

After the battle of St Albans, York was in control - but the same problems existed at court. Also, how could King Henry trust a man who had twice taken up arms against him? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

King Henry recovers at Christmas 1454. Somerset is released. Now what? Will York and the Nevilles let their control slip away? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

The king's incapacity in 1453 throws the government into chaos. Someone will have to take charge - but who can be trusted? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

I take a look at the conflict brewing in the north of England in 1453 and how it affected the kingdom. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

I examine more closely the York – Somerset feud and how it almost brought England to the brink of warfare in February/March 1452. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

In Part 4 of the Wars of the Roses podcast series, I look at the beginning of the rivalry between Richard, Duke of York, and Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

In Part 3 of the Wars of the Roses podcast series, I take a look at the reign of Henry VI up to 1450 and in particular how Henry's personality impacted on his policies. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

In Part 2 of the Wars of the Roses podcast series, I examine the minority of Henry VI and the role it played in the wars. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

This is the first of a series of podcasts on the Wars of the Roses. In this podcast I look at England before the Wars. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Where Does History Come From? What do we believe happened in the past and why? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com