S9 E12 | Rise of the Yorks

S9 E12 | Rise of the Yorks

From This is History: History’s Greatest Fails by Sony Music Entertainment

March 24, 2026 · 36 min · Season 9 · Episode 12

About this episode

The episode discusses the pivotal events in the Wars of the Roses, focusing on the rise of the Yorks and the challenges they faced.

To learn more about the last time an English king was usurped, listen to Season 7, Bonus Episode 12, where Dan tells the story of Henry VI’s grandfather, Henry Bolingbroke. In 1399, he toppled Richard II to become King Henry IV. By 1460, England has emerged into a polycrisis. King Henry VI has been relegated to a pawn. His son and wife have been disinherited, with Richard, Duke of York, now heir presumptive. Violence pulses through the countryside. In this pivotal chapter of the Wars of the Roses, it appears that Yorkist forces have finally overwhelmed the Lancastrians in the battle for the crown. But then, Richard, Duke of York is killed in an ambush. It throws everything into disarray, and Queen Margaret of Anjou makes one last attempt at violent restoration. It appears the clock has run out for the Yorkists. That is, until the eleventh hour, when Richard's son, Edward Earl of March, is propelled into the decisive moment. – A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Jones

Topics covered

  • Wars of the Roses
  • English monarchy
  • usurpation
  • historical conflict
  • Yorkist forces
  • Lancastrians

Keywords

  • Yorkists
  • Lancastrians
  • Henry VI
  • Richard II
  • Edward Earl of March
  • Queen Margaret
  • historical usurpation

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