The House of Lancaster was a royal house in England that played a significant role during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne. It was one of the two main factions, opposing the House of York. The Lancastrians were represented by a red rose, symbolizing their claim to the throne. Key figures from the House of Lancaster include Henry IV, who established the house, and his son, Henry V, known for his military successes. The house's rule ended with Henry VI, whose reign was marked by instability and conflict, leading to the eventual rise of the House of Tudor.