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 founded by John of Gaunt, the third son of King Edward III, and its symbol was a red rose. The Lancastrians claimed the throne through their descent from Henry IV, who became king in 1399. The House of Lancaster faced off against the rival House of York during the Wars of the Roses. Key figures included Henry VI, who struggled with mental health issues, and Margaret of Anjou, his determined queen. The conflict ultimately led to the rise of the Tudor dynasty after the defeat of the Lancastrians at the Battle of Towton in 1461.