The impact of the Wars of the Roses on English society by 1499 Flashcards
How far and for how long did the War of the Roses impact English Society?
it is important to bear in mind that the series of civil wars and rebellions were endured sporadically between 1450 and 1499.
Certainly, it was a period of political instability, including the violent deaths of three kings (Henry VI, Edward V and Richard IIl) and numerous leading magnates, all of which had an impact on English society
but it must also be considered that a great deal of the conflicts were confined to a very limited section of society
How much did England suffer compared to other countries in Europe?
neither the country or the houses were destroyed
When viewed in the context of the conflicts endured across Europe, England hardly suffered at all.
It is also important to note that in the context of the entire late Middle Ages, the 15th century was no more war-ridden than any other English century.
No English town suffered a prolonged siege and therefore no fortifications were needed.
Fortified churches, common in France, barely existed in England.
Looting was rare and highly localised.
Who felt the greatest impact of the War of the Roses?
The greatest social impact was felt by the aristocracy.
In total, 44 noblemen were killed
The immediate effect was felt by their families, and the widows were left in a precarious and vulnerable position.
Some of these widows lost not only their husbands, but sometimes nearly all the men in their immediate family.
Cecily, Duchess of York, was not only widowed, but her sons, her brother and numerous nephews and cousins all met violent ends.
How did this affect the Aristocratic Society?
Aristocratic society was reshaped by the baronial factions and rivalries
The deaths of so many senior members of the aristocracy allowed others to rise to greater rank and wealth
and there was a constant flow of new men in positions of power and authority.
How are lower levels of society affected?
Lower levels of society were not so greatly affected.
Surviving records from the period show that manors and estates carried on operating as normal, and that there was no large-scale devastation of the population in general.
it appears that daily lives were left untouched.
How was religious Society affected?
Religious society was also left untouched by the Wars of the Roses.
The Church did not become involved in the conflict
Men of religion instead commented on the events as they unfolded, and some were the chroniclers of the 15th-century
