The Wars of The Roses. The Wars of the Roses were central to 15th century English history. A quarrel between the families of York and Lancaster over the right to occupy the English throne brought on a series of harsh civil wars in England in the years 1455 to 1485. The emblem of the Yorkists was a white rose and that of the Lancastrians a red rose. Because of this the wars were called the Wars of the Roses. 8 pgs. 11 f/c. 13b. Pages: 8 Bibliography: 13 source(s) listed Filename: 2820 Wars Of Roses.doc Price: 71.60