What If The War of The Roses Had a Different Outcome?

The Actual History

The Wars of the Roses (1455-1487) represented one of England's most turbulent periods, characterized by dynastic civil war between two branches of the royal Plantagenet house: the Houses of Lancaster (red rose) and York (white rose). The conflict originated in the aftermath of the Hundred Years' War with France, as England faced economic difficulties and political instability. King Henry VI of Lancaster, who suffered from periods of mental illness, proved an ineffective ruler, creating a power vacuum that the rival Yorkist faction sought to fill.

The first phase of the conflict began in 1455 at the First Battle of St. Albans, where Richard, Duke of York defeated and captured Henry VI. Though Henry was soon restored, the underlying tensions remained. The conflict escalated after the Battle of Northampton (1460), where Henry was captured again. Richard of York was killed at the Battle of Wakefield later that year, but his son Edward continued the Yorkist cause, claiming the throne as Edward IV in 1461 after defeating Lancastrian forces at the bloody Battle of Towton.

Edward IV's first reign (1461-1470) was interrupted when his powerful ally, the Earl of Warwick ("the Kingmaker"), defected to the Lancastrians and briefly restored Henry VI. However, Edward returned from exile in 1471, defeating and killing Warwick at Barnet and the Lancastrian heir Prince Edward at Tewkesbury. With Henry VI's subsequent death in the Tower of London (likely murdered), Edward IV secured his throne.

Upon Edward IV's death in 1483, his 12-year-old son Edward V was to succeed him. However, Edward IV's brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, intercepted the young king and his younger brother, declared them illegitimate, and took the throne as Richard III. The two princes disappeared in the Tower of London, their fate becoming one of history's enduring mysteries.

Richard III's usurpation alienated many former Yorkist supporters, creating an opportunity for Henry Tudor, a Lancastrian claimant with a tenuous claim to the throne. On August 22, 1485, at the Battle of Bosworth Field, Henry's forces met Richard's army. During the battle, key contingents of Richard's force under the Stanley family either remained neutral or defected to Henry. In a desperate charge to personally kill Henry, Richard was cut down and slain, becoming the last English king to die in battle.

Henry Tudor was crowned as Henry VII, establishing the Tudor dynasty. He married Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV, symbolically uniting the warring houses. Though some resistance continued, notably Lambert Simnel's rebellion and Perkin Warbeck's pretense to be one of the missing princes, Henry VII's victory at the Battle of Stoke Field in 1487 effectively ended the Wars of the Roses.

The Tudor dynasty would rule England for 118 years (1485-1603), overseeing England's transformation from a medieval kingdom to a Renaissance state, including Henry VIII's break with Rome and establishment of the Church of England, Elizabeth I's "Golden Age," and the beginnings of English colonial expansion. The Wars of the Roses fundamentally altered England's power structures, decimating the old nobility and allowing the Tudors to establish a stronger, more centralized monarchy that would shape the nation's development for centuries.

The Point of Divergence

What if Richard III had defeated Henry Tudor at Bosworth Field? In this alternate timeline, we explore a scenario where the last Plantagenet king secured his throne on August 22, 1485, altering the course of English—and perhaps world—history.

The actual Battle of Bosworth Field was decided by several crucial factors, any of which could have unfolded differently. The most significant was the decision by Thomas Stanley and William Stanley, who commanded a substantial force but held back from the initial fighting. In our timeline, they ultimately sided with Henry Tudor at a critical moment, but their loyalties were genuinely divided—Thomas was married to Henry's mother but had a son held hostage by Richard.

In this alternate timeline, several plausible divergences could have led to Richard's victory:

First, Richard's intelligence network might have uncovered Henry Tudor's communications with the Stanleys, allowing Richard to neutralize their potential betrayal. Perhaps Richard secured more reliable hostages from the Stanley family, or offered more compelling rewards for their loyalty, ensuring they either fought for him or at least maintained genuine neutrality throughout the battle.

Alternatively, Richard's desperate charge toward Henry Tudor—which nearly succeeded even in our timeline—might have reached its target. Contemporary accounts suggest Richard came within a sword's length of Henry before being surrounded and cut down. Had Richard's charge been better supported, or had he chosen a slightly different moment to attack, he might have killed or captured Henry, collapsing the Tudor cause.

A third possibility involves the Earl of Northumberland, whose forces remained inactive during the critical phase of the battle. In this alternate scenario, Northumberland actively commits his troops in support of Richard at a decisive moment, rather than holding back as he did historically.

Any of these changes—the Stanleys' continued loyalty, Richard's successful charge against Henry, or Northumberland's active participation—would have dramatically altered the battle's outcome, likely resulting in Henry Tudor's death or capture and Richard III securing his throne. The red dragon banner would have fallen, and the white boar of Richard III would have remained ascendant over England.

Immediate Aftermath

Consolidation of Richard III's Rule

Following his victory at Bosworth Field, Richard III would have returned to London triumphant, his position significantly strengthened. The immediate elimination of Henry Tudor—the last significant Lancastrian claimant—would have removed the most serious external threat to his reign. Richard would likely have honored and rewarded the nobles who remained loyal, particularly those who fought decisively at Bosworth, while dealing harshly with those who had supported Tudor.

The Stanleys, having maintained their loyalty in this timeline, would have been richly rewarded, perhaps with additional lands and titles. The Earl of Northumberland, whose active support helped secure victory, would likely have received similar favors. This redistribution of power would have created a new network of loyal nobles, cementing Richard's position.

One of Richard's first acts would have been calling Parliament to formally attaint (condemn) those who had supported Henry Tudor. Prominent Tudor supporters like Jasper Tudor, John de Vere (Earl of Oxford), and the exiled Tudor courtiers would have faced execution if captured or permanent exile with their lands forfeit. These properties would have been granted to Richard's supporters, creating a new power structure more firmly aligned with the Yorkist cause.

Political Reforms and Governance

Richard's continuation on the throne would have allowed him to fully implement his governance reforms, which had shown promise during his brief actual reign. The "Council of the North," which Richard had established before becoming king, would likely have been strengthened, improving administration in the traditionally difficult northern regions of England.

Richard would have continued his legal reforms as well. Historically, in his short reign, Richard had already begun significant legal innovations, including the concepts of bail and legal representation for those who couldn't afford it. The "Court of Requests," which allowed poor people to bring lawsuits without paying legal fees, would have been fully developed. These reforms, partially continued under the Tudors in our timeline, would have been more fully Richard's legacy.

The "Titulus Regius," the document that declared Edward IV's children illegitimate due to Edward's pre-contract with Lady Eleanor Butler, would have remained in force. In our timeline, Henry VII had all copies destroyed to legitimize his wife, Elizabeth of York. With Richard still on the throne, this legal justification for his rule would have remained the official position.

Dynastic Concerns

Richard faced a serious dynastic problem that would have required immediate attention. His only legitimate son, Edward of Middleham, had died in April 1484, leaving him without a direct heir. His wife, Anne Neville, died in March 1485, shortly before Bosworth in the actual timeline. With his victory secure, Richard would have needed to remarry quickly to produce a male heir.

Several potential matches would have been considered:

Joanna of Portugal - Historically, Richard had sent ambassadors to Portugal to negotiate this match in 1485, but died before it could proceed. As a royal widow herself, Joanna was of suitable rank.
Isabel of Aragon - Daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, Isabel might have been considered, though the Spanish monarchs might have hesitated to ally themselves with Richard given his controversial accession.
Anne of Brittany - The heiress to the strategically important Duchy of Brittany would have been a valuable match, though there would have been competition from France for this alliance.

The most likely scenario would have been the Portuguese match proceeding, potentially creating an Anglo-Portuguese alliance that would have commercial and strategic implications.

The Princes in the Tower Question

The fate of the Princes in the Tower—Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York—would have remained a pressing issue. If they were still alive in secret (as some historical theories suggest), Richard might have been forced to publicly account for them after securing his throne. If they were already dead (either by his orders or others'), Richard would have needed to either continue obscuring this fact or potentially blame it on defeated enemies.

The uncertainty surrounding the princes would have continued to haunt Richard's reign, with rumors and potential pretenders remaining a threat. However, with Henry Tudor eliminated, the focus for potential rebellions would have lacked a clear alternative claimant to rally behind.

International Relations

Internationally, Richard's continued reign would have altered England's diplomatic position. Relations with France, which had supported Henry Tudor, would have been strained. Richard might have pursued a more aggressive policy regarding English claims in France, potentially renewing the conflict that had largely ended with the Hundred Years' War.

Conversely, relations with Burgundy, which had been cool toward Tudor, might have improved. The Burgundian trade was vital to England's economy, particularly the wool trade, and Richard would have sought to strengthen these commercial ties.

Scotland, which had often supported Tudor's cause, would have faced a more secure and potentially aggressive neighbor to the south. Richard's stronger position in the North of England might have led to renewed border conflicts or attempts to exert greater influence over Scottish affairs.

Long-term Impact

The Extended Yorkist Dynasty

Had Richard III secured his throne in 1485, the subsequent history of the English monarchy would have followed a dramatically different course. Assuming Richard succeeded in remarrying and producing a male heir, a new branch of the Yorkist Plantagenet dynasty would have continued into the 16th century.

Royal Succession and Stability

Richard III would likely have ruled until approximately 1500-1510, given typical lifespans of the era and assuming no violent end to his reign. His son—let's call him Richard IV or Edward V (if Richard chose to honor his brother)—would have come of age in the early 16th century, inheriting a kingdom with different challenges than those faced by the Tudor Henry VIII.

The Yorkist succession might have faced fewer of the legitimacy challenges that plagued the early Tudors. Henry VII spent much of his reign defending against Yorkist pretenders like Perkin Warbeck, a problem Richard would have largely avoided after eliminating the main opposition at Bosworth. However, without the Tudor emphasis on direct male succession (developed because of Henry VII's relatively weak claim), the Yorkist line might have been more vulnerable to succession disputes if male heirs were lacking.

Political Developments

The structure of English governance would have evolved differently under continued Yorkist rule. Richard III had already demonstrated a tendency toward administrative efficiency and legal reform that differed from Tudor approaches:

Parliament and Royal Authority: Richard had shown willingness to work with Parliament rather than around it. This collaboration might have evolved into a different balance of power than the Tudor model of increasingly centralized royal authority. The "conciliar" government (rule through royal councils) might have developed along different lines, potentially with greater noble participation.
Regional Administration: The Council of the North, Richard's innovation for better governing England's troublesome northern counties, would likely have become a permanent institution, possibly inspiring similar regional bodies. This might have led to a more decentralized administrative structure than the Tudor centralization.
Legal System: Richard's legal reforms, including his support for the English language in courts (rather than French or Latin) and protections for those unable to afford legal representation, would have continued developing. The English common law might have evolved with a stronger emphasis on accessibility and representation.

England and the Reformation

Perhaps the most significant divergence from our timeline would concern religion. The Tudor dynasty, particularly Henry VIII, fundamentally altered England's religious landscape by breaking with Rome and establishing the Church of England. A continuing Yorkist dynasty would have faced the Protestant Reformation very differently.

Richard III was conventionally pious by medieval standards, with no indication he would have initiated a break with Rome. However, the forces driving the Reformation across Europe—the printing press, humanist scholarship, concerns about church corruption—would still have influenced England.

Several scenarios are possible:

England Remains Catholic: Without Henry VIII's desire for an annulment from Catherine of Aragon driving the initial break, England might have remained officially Catholic, with reform movements similar to those in Spain or France—addressing church abuses while maintaining communion with Rome.
Protestant Influences Without State Sponsorship: Protestant ideas would still have entered England through trade, universities, and printed materials. Without royal sponsorship, Protestantism might have developed as a minority movement, possibly facing persecution as in France.
Later, Different Reformation: A subsequent Yorkist monarch might have embraced Protestant ideas for different reasons than Henry VIII, leading to a later, possibly more gradual English Reformation without the back-and-forth extremes of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I.

Without the dramatic religious shifts of actual history, England would have avoided the violent religious persecutions that characterized the reigns of Henry VIII, Mary I, and to a lesser extent, Elizabeth I. The dissolution of the monasteries might never have occurred, preserving those institutions and their vast landholdings, significantly altering England's economic and social development.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

The Tudor-Habsburg Rivalry vs. Yorkist Alignments

In our timeline, the Tudor dynasty became increasingly entangled in rivalry with the Habsburg Empire, particularly during the reign of Elizabeth I. A continuing Yorkist dynasty would likely have formed different alliances:

Anglo-Portuguese Connection: If Richard III's marriage to Joanna of Portugal had proceeded, England might have developed closer ties with Portugal, potentially becoming involved in Portuguese colonial ventures earlier than in our timeline.
Burgundian Alliance: Traditional Yorkist support for Burgundy might have continued, potentially drawing England into Continental wars differently than the Tudors were, particularly regarding Habsburg-Valois conflicts.
Scottish Relations: The Tudors eventually united the crowns of England and Scotland through James I (VI of Scotland). Without the Tudor dynasty, Anglo-Scottish relations might have continued their traditional hostility, possibly leading to more border wars or different attempts at conquest or alliance.

Colonial Expansion

Tudor England, particularly under Elizabeth I, began England's journey toward colonial power. A Yorkist England might have approached overseas expansion differently:

Earlier Colonial Interest: With stronger Portuguese connections, England might have become involved in exploration earlier, potentially competing or collaborating with Portugal in Africa or the East rather than focusing on North America.
Different Colonial Priorities: The economic motivations for colonization would still have existed, but without the specific Tudor emphasis on challenging Spanish dominance, English colonial efforts might have developed along different geographical and commercial lines.
Religious Dimension: Tudor colonization had a Protestant character, particularly in opposition to Catholic Spain and Portugal. A Catholic Yorkist England might have approached colonization with different religious motivations or none at all.

Social and Cultural Evolution

The Renaissance in England

The Tudor period coincided with the English Renaissance, but a continued Yorkist dynasty would have shaped cultural development differently:

Earlier Renaissance Flourishing: Richard III showed humanist tendencies and patronage of learning. The English Renaissance might have begun earlier under Yorkist sponsorship, potentially with stronger connections to Italian models and less disruption from religious upheaval.
Literary Development: Without the specific Tudor influence, Shakespeare would never have written his Tudor-sponsored histories (including his negative portrayal of Richard III). English literature would have developed along different lines, perhaps maintaining stronger medieval influences or developing different national mythologies.
Architectural Evolution: The distinctive Tudor architectural style might never have developed. Instead, later Gothic styles might have persisted longer, or Renaissance influences might have arrived more directly from Italy without the distinctive Tudor adaptations.

Social Structure and Economy

The Tudor period saw significant social and economic changes, many of which would have unfolded differently under Yorkist rule:

Preservation of Monastic Lands: Without Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, England's land ownership patterns would have remained more conservative. The rise of the "new men" (gentry who acquired former church lands) would not have occurred in the same way, potentially slowing social mobility.
Different Commercial Development: The Yorkists had traditionally strong ties to merchant interests, particularly in London. Commercial development might have proceeded along different lines, possibly with greater early emphasis on trade with Burgundy, Portugal, and the Mediterranean rather than the Tudor focus on challenging Spanish maritime dominance.
Enclosure and Agricultural Change: The Tudor period saw accelerating enclosure of common lands. Under different economic pressures and without the redistribution of monastic lands, agricultural development might have followed a more gradual, less disruptive path.

Present Day Implications

By 2025, a world where the Yorkist dynasty prevailed at Bosworth would be dramatically different. England's religious history, colonial expansion, constitutional development, and cultural evolution would all have followed alternate paths. The British Empire as we know it might never have existed, or might have taken a different form with different colonial territories and relationships.

Modern Britain might have remained Catholic, developed a different form of national church, or experienced religious evolution along entirely different lines. Without the specific Tudor-Stuart constitutional conflicts that shaped parliamentary democracy, Britain's governmental system might have evolved with different balances between monarchy, aristocracy, and democratic elements.

North America, colonized differently or by different powers, might never have developed the United States as we know it. The English language itself would differ, lacking Shakespeare's Tudor-influenced contributions and possibly retaining more medieval elements or developing along different literary lines.

In essence, Richard III's victory at Bosworth would have created not just a different England, but potentially a different world order, with ripple effects touching everything from religion and politics to language and culture across the globe.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Eleanor Montgomery, Professor of Medieval British History at Oxford University, offers this perspective: "The Yorkist victory scenario raises fascinating questions about England's religious development. Richard III showed no inclination toward religious innovation—he was conventionally pious by medieval standards. Without Henry VIII's marital crisis as a catalyst, England would almost certainly have faced the Protestant Reformation as a united Catholic kingdom, more like France or Spain. This doesn't mean Protestantism wouldn't have gained adherents in England, but without royal patronage, it would have developed as a minority movement. The religious bloodshed of the Tudor period might have been avoided, replaced perhaps by a more moderate, internally-driven reform movement within an officially Catholic England."

Sir James Harrington, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and author of "Counterfactual Monarchies," provides another view: "Richard III's governance priorities were demonstrably different from Henry VII's. Where Henry centralized power and accumulated wealth, Richard showed more interest in legal reform and regional administration. A continuing Yorkist dynasty might have developed a more regionally-balanced governance model, potentially avoiding the London-centric development that characterized Tudor and subsequent rule. The Council of the North was Richard's innovation, and similar bodies might have emerged for other regions. England's constitutional development might have followed a path more similar to Spain's regional fueros system than the highly centralized model that eventually emerged under the Tudors."

Dr. Sophia Chen, Comparative Colonial Historian at Princeton University, considers the global implications: "Tudor England's colonial ventures were distinctively Protestant in character, particularly in their opposition to Spanish Catholic imperialism. A Catholic Yorkist England with Portuguese connections might have participated in the Age of Exploration very differently—perhaps as Portugal's ally rather than competitor. We might have seen earlier English involvement in Africa and the East Indies, with less emphasis on North America. The religious character of English colonization would have differed fundamentally. It's entirely possible that what became the United States might have remained French or Spanish in such a timeline, with profound implications for global development through the present day."