For History Teachers on the Wars of the Roses
A Level
Apart from the set texts which are written for each A level specification and the material in this website, we recommend the following to support teaching on the Wars of the Roses:
The Wars of the Roses for A Level by Ian Dawson
SchoolsHistory.org by Dan Moorhouse
For a general discussion of Medieval History resources for teachers, the Historical Association offer this very extensive booklet edited by Ian Dawson.
An excellent summary of the key personnel in the 15th century is published online by the Historical Association, written by Louisa Dunn
A very extensive guide to sources is also published online by the Historical Association, written by Jonathan Cripps, Kirstie Murray and Helen Snelson
Members of the Historical Association (Secondary) will find the following podcasts here free to use in schools.
Wars of the Roses (13 mins) by Professor Michael Hicks;
Henry VI (50 mins) by Professor Anne Curry;
Richard III (10 mins) by Professor Michael Hicks;
Henry VII (19 mins; 22 mins and 4 mins) by Dr Sean Cunningham.
The BBC History Extra magazine has an edition on the Wars of the Roses.
Our Adult Education page on this website contains a very extensive reading list much of which will be accessible to A level students of History.
Encyclopaedia Britannica has a succinct article on the Wars of the Roses from birth to death of King Henry VI.
This blog has sound, practical advice to students on how to read historical texts.
The Newberry Library in Chicago has lesson plans for 15th century topics such as reading Middle English and the medieval spice trade.
Key Stage 3/4
The King Richard III Experience in Leicester offer a range of learning visits as does the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.
Collins publish a KS3 book on Medieval Britain (410-1509) as part of their Knowing History series.
Galore Park published (May 2022) a revised edition of their 13+ Common Entrance History support books.
Ideas from The National Archives about medieval castles with lesson plans:
Folk Music
To provide some light relief from the hardships of 15th century history you may like to have your students listen to songs recently recorded on themes about Richard III.
