Though this marriage was most definitely symbolic, all accounts describe a rather happy marriage between the two. Henry married Edward IV’s daughter, Elizabeth of York, and joined together the Houses of York and Lancaster.

The official coronation took place on 30 October, 1485.

Some accounts state that he was crowned on the battlefield with Richard’s circlet.

Henry Tudor became Henry VII and ended the Wars of the Roses.

Many future kings would lead their men and fight in battle, but none would die.

Richard III died in battle and he was the last English king to do so.

The Stanley army attacked Richard’s back flank and effectively changed the outcome of the Battle of Bosworth.

It is said that they had around 6,000 men, and they chose to enter the battle when Richard III led a direct charge on Henry Tudor, who had been separated from his main force.

Even though Richard had Thomas Stanley’s son held as a hostage to either coerce him into joining the Yorkists or to not get involved, the two brothers, William and Thomas, chose to fight for the Lancastrians.

During the battle, both Sir William and Sir Thomas Stanley remained on the sidelines as the Yorks and Lancastrians fought.

The battle was swayed by Sir William Stanley’s involvement.

Despite the difference in skill and numbers, the victor was Henry Tudor.

Richard had around 15,000 men at his side, while Henry had three times fewer, around 5,000 men.

Apart from the skill and battle experience, there was also a discrepancy in numbers.

The battle of Bosworth is considered the first military battle of Henry Tudor’s career.

Henry, on the other hand, was relatively inexperienced since he lived in exile for most of his life.

Richard was known for his military leadership and skill, having fought in many decisive battles during the Wars of the Roses, such as Barnet, Tewkesbury and Bosworth.

Richard III was the leader of the York family while Henry was considered the only Lancastrian heir.

This battle put an end to decades of rivalry between the Lancaster and York families.

The Battle of Bosworth represents the end of the Plantagenet era.

Let’s find out more about the Battle of Bosworth!

Download war of the roses tudors