What were the key heraldic symbols used during the Wars of the Roses?

The key heraldic symbols used during the Wars of the Roses were the Red Rose of Lancaster and the White Rose of York.

The Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England during the 15th century, were marked by the use of two primary heraldic symbols: the Red Rose of Lancaster and the White Rose of York. These symbols were used to represent the two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet who were fighting for control of the English throne.

The Red Rose of Lancaster, a heraldic badge for the House of Lancaster, was a gold rose on a red field. This symbol was used by the Lancastrian forces led by King Henry VI and his supporters. The red rose was chosen because it was the emblem of John of Gaunt, the 14th-century Duke of Lancaster and father of Henry IV, the first Lancastrian king.

On the other hand, the White Rose of York was a silver or white rose used by the Yorkist forces led by Edward IV and Richard III. The white rose was chosen as it was associated with Edmund of Langley, the first Duke of York and founder of the House of York. The white rose was often depicted with a sun, known as a 'sun in splendour', which was a personal device of Edward IV.

These symbols were not only used on banners and shields during battles, but also in propaganda, seals, jewellery, and other forms of personal adornment. They were powerful tools for rallying support and demonstrating allegiance. The roses were also combined in various ways to symbolise unity or conflict between the two houses. For example, the 'Tudor Rose', a combination of the red and white roses, was introduced by Henry VII after his victory at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 to symbolise the union of the two houses through his marriage to Elizabeth of York.

In conclusion, the Red Rose of Lancaster and the White Rose of York were key heraldic symbols used during the Wars of the Roses. They served not only as identifiers on the battlefield, but also as potent symbols of political allegiance and propaganda tools in a deeply divided England.