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WARS OF THE ROSES—Presented by Geoff Fabron

Yes it finally happened!

After quite a few cancellations due to lockdown restrictions Geoff was able to give the replay of his presentation on the Wars of the Roses originally given in 2020 .

So with social distancing being strictly observed with a maximum of 4 at a table, 20 or so members settled down to hear the fascinating story of this period in not only English history but drawing in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France.

An audible chuckle was heard when Geoff explained at one time (1422 +) there was a King (Henry VI) who was both king of England and France. Wonder if Monsieur Macron is aware of that!

Covering roughly the years from 1400 to 1500, Geoff explained the incredible machinations of the Plantagenet family as they sided with either the Yorkist or Lancastrian sides. Quite often changing their allegiance and defecting to the other side if it suited their ambitions! This was until their eventual ruination.

Details of the major figures involved were given, from King Henry VI (1421-1471), his wife Queen Margaret (1430-1482), Richard Duke of York (1411-1460), King Edward IV (1442-1483), Richard Neville Earl of Warwick (1428-1471), King Richard III (14521485) and finally King Henry VII (1457-1509) the first of the Tudor dynasty.

Their characters and actions, both successes and disasters, and sometimes even inactions, were clearly explained by Geoff. Concentration was certainly needed to keep up with the struggle for power and the title for the Crown as it played out.

For those directly involved it was a life and death matter, but barely ruffled the everyday life underneath, perhaps except for a period when the Scots were signed up to fight for the Lancastrian side. Retreating essentially when they went unpaid.

Simply a fascinating period in history, excellently presented by Geoff.

Next history presentation by Geoff is to be on The Spanish Civil War. Submitted by Alan Lucas