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May 24, 1454
Fall of the King
Henry VI goes insane, country in turmoil. Richard, Duke of York, is elected as temporary ruler. -
Nov 14, 1454
Recovery
Henry recovers, but is incompetent and allows wife Margaret to take control. Margaret is Lancastrian -
May 22, 1455
First Battle of St. Albans
Yorkists win and capture Henry VI -
Period: Jan 1, 1456 to Dec 31, 1459
Turmoil
Tough battle for effective control of throne between Richard and Margaret -
Dec 31, 1459
The fighting begins
Across the country, hundreds of small battles break out between the supporters of both houses -
Jan 3, 1460
Victory
York comes out on top and gains access to the throne -
Jan 13, 1461
The fighting settles
Edward IVis declared King. -
Mar 1, 1461
Battle of Towton
Edward IV wins battle of Towton; extremely bloody. End of first wave of battles -
Feb 10, 1470
Mutiny
Edward IV is overthrown by Yorkist rebellion and exiled; Henry VI back as king -
May 14, 1471
Overthrown
Edward returns to overthrow Henry VI, rules as King for 12 years during virtual anarchy. -
Apr 8, 1483
Death
Edward dies -
Jul 14, 1483
Battle again
Edward V, Edward VI’s son, is supposed to take the throne, but Richard III steals it after capturing and imprisoning Edward V -
Aug 22, 1485
End of War
Richard III, a Yorkist, is decisively beaten by Lancastrian forces led by Henry Tudor. End of war.