House of York: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The House of York was a dynasty of English kings. The House was involved in the Wars of the Roses, an intermittent civil war which affected England and Wales during the 15th century. Its name derives of the fact that its claimants to the throne were all descended from Richard, Duke of York, and its symbol was a white rose.

The opponents of the House of York were the House of Lancaster. The rivalry between York and Lancaster, in the form of the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, has continued into the present day on a more friendly basis.

At the end of the Wars of the Roses, following the defeat and death of Richard III in battle at Bosworth Field in 1485, Elizabeth of York married the victor, Henry VII, and their descendants were the rulers of the House of Tudor.

Kings of the House of York:

• Edward IV of England, r.1461-1470 and 1471-1483
• Edward V of England, r.1483 (one of the Princes in the Tower)
• Richard III of England, r.1483-1485