Major Conflicts and Wars of the Plantagenet Period: Shaping Medieval England

The Plantagenet period, spanning from 1154 to 1485, was marked by significant conflicts and wars that shaped the course of medieval England.


Plantagenent-Heradlry-Coat-of-Arms

These battles and campaigns were instrumental in shaping political alliances, determining territorial control, and influencing the destiny of the Plantagenet dynasty.


In this article, we will explore the major conflicts and wars of the Plantagenet period, highlighting the key battles that defined this era of English history.


The Wars of the Roses (1455-1487)

The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars fought between the rival noble houses of Lancaster and York, both claiming the right to the English throne. This dynastic struggle saw several key battles:


MS Ghent Battle of Tewkesburywarofroses

1. Battle of St. Albans (1455)

  • The first battle of the Wars of the Roses.
  • The Duke of York, Richard Plantagenet, challenged the authority of King Henry VI.
  • Yorkist victory, but the conflict was far from over.

2. Battle of Towton (1461)

  • One of the bloodiest battles in English history.
  • Fought between the forces of Yorkist Edward IV and Lancastrian Henry VI.
  • Decisive Yorkist victory, securing Edward IV’s claim to the throne.

3. Battle of Bosworth Field (1485)

  • The final battle of the Wars of the Roses.
  • Henry Tudor, representing the Lancastrians, faced off against Richard III, the last Plantagenet king.
  • Tudor victory, leading to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty.

Battle of Bosworth Military
Battle of Bosworth Field (1485)

“The Plantagenet period was marked by a tumultuous succession of conflicts and wars that profoundly shaped medieval England. From the epic battles of the Hundred Years’ War to the internal strife of the Wars of the Roses, these events not only redefined the English monarchy but also left a lasting impact on the social, political, and cultural fabric of the nation.”

Dr. Eleanor Turner, Historian of Medieval England.

The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453)

The Hundred Years’ War was a series of conflicts between England and France over territorial claims and the control of the French crown. Several notable battles took place during this prolonged war:

Medieval Warfare Battle of Crecy Froissart
Medieval crossbowmen help to defeat the French at the battle of Crecy

1. Battle of Crécy (1346)

  • Fought between the English army of Edward III and the French forces.
  • English longbowmen played a crucial role in the victory.
  • The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the English longbow and marked a significant shift in warfare.

2. Battle of Poitiers (1356)

  • Another major English victory during the Hundred Years’ War.
  • Edward, the Black Prince, led the English forces against the French.
  • The capture of the French king, John II, boosted English morale.

3. Battle of Agincourt (1415)

  • A famous English victory during the Hundred Years’ War.
  • Henry V of England faced a larger French army.
  • English longbowmen played a crucial role once again, leading to a decisive English victory.

English longbowmen Battle of Agincourt
English longbowmen fire a series of arrows on the enemy at the battle of Agincourt

“The struggles and wars of the Plantagenet period were a crucible for the forging of England’s identity. From the aspirations of Edward III to claim the French throne to the gripping power struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster, these conflicts tested the mettle of England’s rulers and nobility, ultimately molding the course of the nation’s history.”

Professor William Hastings, Plantagenet Era Scholar.

The Baronial Revolts

The Plantagenet period also witnessed internal conflicts and rebellions against the monarchy


Medieval King Edward I 2nd Barons War
Medieval King Edward I 2nd Barons War

1. The First Barons’ War (1215-1217)

  • Fought between King John and a group of rebellious barons.
  • The Magna Carta was a significant catalyst for this conflict.
  • The war concluded with a victory for the royal forces under Henry III.

2. The Second Barons’ War (1264-1267)

  • A rebellion led by Simon de Montfort against Henry III’s rule.
  • The Battle of Lewes (1264) saw the baronial forces defeat the royal army.
  • Ultimately, the royalist forces prevailed, and the rebellion was quelled.

The major conflicts and wars of the Plantagenet period played a crucial role in shaping medieval England. The Wars of the Roses brought about dynastic change and left a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape. The Hundred Years’


Civil War in England

The Plantagenets | Great Books

“The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England” by Dan Jones
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Plantagenet dynasty and the major conflicts and wars that shaped England during their reign, including the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of the Roses.

“A World Made by Hand: A Concise History of the Plantagenet Kingdom of England, 1154-1485” by Timothy Venning
Focusing specifically on the Plantagenet period, this book examines the political and military developments that occurred during this time, delving into the significant conflicts that defined the era.

“The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors” by Dan Jones
This book zooms in on the Wars of the Roses, one of the defining conflicts of the Plantagenet period, exploring the dynastic struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster for control of the English throne.

“Agincourt: The King, the Campaign, the Battle” by Juliet Barker
Centered around the famous Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years’ War, this book provides a detailed account of the military strategies and tactics employed by the English and French forces, shedding light on its significance in the Plantagenet era.

“The Plantagenet Empire, 1154-1224” by Robert Bartlett
This scholarly work focuses on the early years of the Plantagenet dynasty, examining the expansion of their empire and the challenges they faced in consolidating power, laying the groundwork for the conflicts that followed in later years.