A c1908 painting depicts Edmund Beaufort being challenged by Richard, Duke of York, to choose between the white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster
The 15th-century series of civil wars, fought between the houses of Lancaster and York and widely known as the Wars of the Roses, boasts some of the most famous individuals in British history and has inspired countless authors, playwrights and filmmakers ever since. From Richard III and Lady Margaret Beaufort, to the so-called Princes in the Tower and Henry Tudor, the future Henry VII, the cast of characters and their legacy continues to intrigue. In this month’s essential guide, with the help of expert Lauren Johnson, we take a closer look at the pivotal conflict – including the women who wielded power behind the scenes and the sibling rivalry that shook England. Turn to page 28 to get started.