Cassell's History of England, Vol. 2 (of 8)from the Wars of the Roses to the Great Rebellion
1909
Cassell's History of England, Vol. 2 (of 8)from the Wars of the Roses to the Great Rebellion
1909
A historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume covers the tumultuous period from the Wars of the Roses through the rise of the Tudor dynasty. It chronicles the key events and political maneuvers that shaped England during this era, providing insight into the struggles for power among the royal factions. The opening of the volume focuses on the Wars of the Roses, starting with the discontent that led to Cade's Rebellion in 1450. It details how Jack Cade capitalized on the dissatisfaction with King Henry VI's rule and rallied support by claiming a connection to the noble Mortimer lineage. The narrative describes the escalating tensions between the factions led by the Duke of York and the Lancastrian king, culminating in military confrontations, political intrigue, and the eventual claim to the throne by Edward IV. This foundational episode sets the stage for understanding the fierce rivalries and bloodshed that characterized this pivotal time in English history.
Editions
X-Ray
The weak and pious Lancastrian King of England, whose mental fragility and unpopular queen fueled the Wars of the Roses.
The ambitious and vindictive Lancastrian Queen, a fierce defender of her husband and son's rights, whose unpopularity contributed to the civil strife.
The Yorkist claimant to the English throne, popular in Ireland, who eventually openly asserted his right, leading to major conflicts.
The first Yorkist King of England, handsome, brave, and politically astute, but also pleasure-loving and ruthless in consolidating his power.
About Cassell's History of England, Vol. 2 (of 8)from the Wars of the Roses to the Great Rebellion
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- This chapter details the initial phase of the Wars of the Roses, beginning with Cade's Rebellion and the Duke of York's return from Ireland. It covers key battles like St. Albans and Northampton, York's claim to the crown, his death at Wakefield, and the subsequent rise of his son, Edward IV, culminating in his triumphant entry into London.
- 2
- This chapter chronicles Edward IV's reign, starting with the decisive Battle of Towton and his coronation. It covers Henry VI's imprisonment, Queen Margaret's attempts to regain power, Edward's controversial marriage to Elizabeth Grey, and the subsequent alienation of Warwick. The chapter details Warwick's rebellion, the temporary restoration of Henry VI, Edward's return, and the final Lancastrian defeats at Barnet and Tewkesbury, leading to the murder of Henry VI and the end of the Lancastrian cause.
- 3
- This chapter describes the brief and tragic reign of Edward V and the usurpation of Richard III. It details Gloucester's cunning plans to seize the throne, including the imprisonment and execution of the Queen Dowager's relatives, the execution of Lord Hastings, and the infamous sermon at St. Paul's Cross declaring the young princes illegitimate. The chapter culminates in Richard's coronation, Buckingham's revolt, the murder of the Princes in the Tower, and the Battle of Bosworth, which ends the Wars of the Roses and brings Henry of Richmond to power.
Key Themes
- Dynastic Struggle and Legitimacy
- This theme is central, particularly during the Wars of the Roses and the early Tudor period. The text meticulously details how various claimants asserted their rights through lineal descent, marriage, or force, and how monarchs like Henry VII and Elizabeth I worked to solidify their often-tenuous claims against rivals and pretenders. The constant questioning of legitimacy fuels much of the political intrigue and violence.
- Royal Absolutism vs. Parliamentary Power
- The narrative traces the increasing tension between the monarch's desire for absolute power and the evolving role of Parliament. From Henry VIII's manipulation of Parliament to assert his supremacy, through James I's clashes over prerogative and finance, to Charles I's attempts to rule without Parliament, this conflict is a recurring and escalating force, foreshadowing the eventual Great Rebellion.
- Religious Reformation and Persecution
- The profound shift from Roman Catholicism to Protestantism is a dominant theme, marked by intense doctrinal disputes, iconoclasm, and brutal persecution. The text highlights the personal convictions and political motivations of monarchs like Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I, and the devastating impact of these changes on individuals and society, leading to martyrdoms and widespread unrest.
Characters
- Henry VI(protagonist)
- The weak and pious Lancastrian King of England, whose mental fragility and unpopular queen fueled the Wars of the Roses.
- Queen Margaret (of Anjou)(antagonist)
- The ambitious and vindictive Lancastrian Queen, a fierce defender of her husband and son's rights, whose unpopularity contributed to the civil strife.
- Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York(protagonist)
- The Yorkist claimant to the English throne, popular in Ireland, who eventually openly asserted his right, leading to major conflicts.
- Edward IV(protagonist)
- The first Yorkist King of England, handsome, brave, and politically astute, but also pleasure-loving and ruthless in consolidating his power.
- Richard III (Duke of Gloucester)(antagonist)
- Edward IV's brother and a cunning, ruthless usurper, widely believed to have murdered his young nephews to seize the crown.
- Henry VII (Henry Tudor)(protagonist)
- The founder of the Tudor dynasty, a shrewd and avaricious monarch who consolidated power after the Wars of the Roses.
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