A series of conflicts, during the second half of the fifteenth century, between two branches of the Plantagenet line: York and Lancaster. Over the course of 30 years the crown passed through several hands: Henry VI, Edward VI, Edward V, Richard III, and Henry Tudor. Most historians date the end of the Wars to Henry VII's victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field, although it can be argued that they actually finally finished during the sixteenth century.
Wars of the Roses
Fact of the Day
The Spartans had a way of tackling childhood obesity: every ten days, they would get their children to strip naked and, if they were fat, they would beat them.
Quote of the Day
"It's ever been the British way, that we are powerless to expel foreigners, but puissant and bold when it comes to making civil war.
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~ Gildas (6th century)
On This Day
1787 The 'First Fleet' of 11 ships carrying convicts to Australia left England.
1888 Slavery was abolished in Brazil.