The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars fought in England during the 15th century, primarily between two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the Lancasters and the Yorks. The conflict began in 1455 and lasted until 1487, marked by battles, political intrigue, and shifting alliances as both sides vied for control of the English throne. The wars are named for the symbols of the two houses: the red rose for the Lancasters and the white rose for the Yorks. The conflict ended with the rise of Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, establishing the Tudor dynasty.