The War Of The Roses was a series of civil wars fought in medieval England from 1455 to 1487 between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

Shakespeare explores the events of these bloody wars across eight plays: Richard II; Henry IV, Part 1; Henry IV, Part 2; Henry V; Henry VI, Part 1; Henry VI, Part 2; Henry VI, Part 3; and Richard III.

Synopsis

Act One

Richard II rules England. His cousin Henry Bolingbroke is in dispute with Mowbray and they have brought their grievances before the King. Richard attempts to calm the men, but they insist on a duel, to be held at later date. But before the fighting can begin, Richard intervenes and sentences both men to banishment. John of Gaunt (Bolingbroke’s Father) dies and Richard seizes his property and wealth. The exiled Bolingbroke prepares to return to England, determined to claim what the King has stolen. In the face of invasion, rebellion and desertion, the King is eventually cornered and forced to abdicate. Bolingbroke not only claims his inheritance, but claims the throne as King Henry IV.

Act Two

Henry IV’s reign is disturbed. Henry Percy, known as Hotspur, has captured several important Scots in skirmishes; the King wants him to hand them over. Hotspur however first wants the King to release Hotspur’s uncle, Mortimer, who has been taken prisoner in Wales for rebellion. Henry is furious and refuses. He has made an enemy of Hotspur, who foment rebellion. Henry’s son, Prince Hal, is leading a dissolute life. He has taken up with Falstaff, an old soldier. The revolt brings him face to face with Hotspur, whom he fatally wounds. King Henry IV sickens and collapses. Hal takes the crown. When the King wakes he thinks Hal cares only for power and has no love for his father. Hal returns and persuades the King otherwise.  The King tells Hal to earn Kingship by focusing England on ‘foreign quarrels’. Reconciled, Henry IV dies.