Henry VII

Previous king: Richard III       Reigned: 1485-1509       Next king: Henry VIII (son)

Henry VII Elizabeth of York Henry VII killed the previous king, Richard III, at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Henry started a new dynasty, the Tudors, since Tudor was Henry's family name. This is considered to be the end of the Middle Ages. His claim to the throne was not very good. He was the last representative of the House of Lancaster, since all others had been killed in battle. He married Elizabeth of York (see right), one of the last representatives of the House of York. This was a good way to end the War of the Roses. Their two badges, the red rose and the white rose, were joined to make the Tudor rose with both colours. The Tudor rose is on the British 20 pence coin. Which roses are Henry and Elizabeth holding?

Tudor Rose 20 pence

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