The Lancastrians & Yorkists (1399 - 1485)
Henry V (1413 - 1422)
Henry V was born in the Wye Valley in the valleys of South Wales. He was a brilliant leader, who in his teens fought along side his father at the Battle of Shrewsbury. This experience served him well and he went on to claim to the French crown after defeating France in the famous Battle of Agincourt.
Intelligent and well educated, Henry had a keen interested in music and often gave pensions to well-known composers of his time. He founded Syon House and Syon Park Garden (www.syonpark.co.uk/), which became a centre of learning and religious practice and was favoured by Queen Catherine of Aragon.
Richard III (1452 - 1485)
Richard III was the last King of England from the House of York, and his defeat ended the infamous Wars of the Roses. Richard always knew there were plots to end his reign; in 1485 the armies of Richard and Henry Tudor met at Bosworth Field near Leicester and in the ensuing battle, Henry won the crown.
Buried without a fitting monument, Richard's bones were interred throughout the Leicester area. Richard became the subject of the Shakespearean play, Richard III, which has maintained is notoriety throughout the centuries, and today you can find a museum (www.richardiiimuseum.co.uk/) dedicated to this famous monarch in the city of York.
Get your Great British Heritage Pass
For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.
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