What Was the War of the Roses?

This lesson contains:
A starter task to consider the England football team bade and the symbolism there. The Lions and the roses are a mix of medieval and Tudor history. Kids discuss what they know about the symbols.
A couple of slides of background which explains and guides students through the causes of the War of the Roses, from Edward III's death, Richard the II's murder and the resulting line of kings to Henry VI. Within this, students consider who they think should be king after Edward, and the different variety of answers is evidence that no one really can decide who deserves it more...and they understand the origins of the war
An activity to complete a short guided read about Henry VI and why he was unpopular, and this gives the students the short term causes of the War.
A main task to sort 8 info cards about the key events into chronological order. The students then use these cards to do a timeline on the worksheet; they put Yorkist victories on one side and Lancastrian ones on the other, showing the turning tide of events down to Henry Tudor's victory at Basworth Field.
A plenary to consider what Henry, as the new king, needs to do to make sure he now ends the War and keeps hold of the Crown. The students can write this up based on what they have learned.
 
Attachments:
1 x Powerpoint Presentations
3 x Publisher Files