The Wars of The Roses
Until the 1960s, few historians appeared to regard the late fifteenth century as worth more than a passing look.
Victorian, Edwardian and early twentieth century writers often took the view that the period between 1450 and 1485 was
nothing more than an unpleasant conclusion to a lawless and blood-soaked period that had dragged on since the fall of Rome in 410.
Their concern with the growth of institutions such as central government meant that they viewed the period before the Tudors as unworthy of much interest.
Fortunately, we can now see beyond their bias to what was in many respects a time of great social, military and political transition in England.
What now follows is a timeline of relevant events which we hope will allow you to get a 'handle' on this fascinating period of English history.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS
PART ONE - THE ROAD TO CONFLICT: 1399-1455
PART TWO - MARGARET OF ANJOU IN THE ASCENDENT: 1455-59
PART THREE - SWINGS OF FORTUNE: 1459-61
PART FOUR - THE WAR IN THE NORTH: 1461-64
PART FIVE: THE FALSE PEACE - 1464-68
PART SIX: WARWICK v EDWARD - 1469-70
PART SEVEN - SWINGS OF FORTUNE II: MAY 1470-MAY 1471
Sir Walter Devereux - Lord Ferrers
(c. 1431 - 1485)
Walter Devereux was a minor member of the English peerage and a loyal supporter of the Yorkist cause during the Wars of the Roses.
Walter was born in Weobley, Herefordshire. At the age of only thirteen, Walter married Anne Ferrers who predeceased him by
seventeen years and became Baron Ferrers of Chartley in right of his wife in 1462.
As a Yorkist, he held many offices under Edward IV. In 1461 and 1469, Walter was commissioner of array for Herefordshire,
Shropshire and Gloucestershire, as well as Worcestershire in 1469. He also served in 1470 and 1471, as joint commissioner of array for Herefordshire,
and then again in 1474 for Herefordshire and Shropshire. Walter's military career was also thorough, as he fought at Towton in 1461,
where he was made a Knight of the Garter. He also fought at Barnet in 1471, Tewkesbury also in 1471 and Bosworth in 1485.
As a supporter of King Richard III during his reign, Walter fought at Bosworth on the 22 August 1485. There, Lord Ferrers
commanded in the vanguard under John Howard, Duke of Norfolk, alongside Sir Robert Brackenbury and Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey.
Walter was slain during the initial fight with the Earl of Oxford's opposing van, fighting next to the young Lord John Zouche.
Walter had 5 children Katherine, John who would take his fathers title of Lord Ferrers, Elizabeth, Sibill and Walter.
Katherine, the eldest child marrined Sir James Baskerville,
John, Walters Heir married Ciceley Bourchier
Elizabeth married the Knight Richard Corbet
Sibill married Sir Knight James Baskerville
And Walter, the Viscount Devereux married Mary Grey.