Ok... the next several English monarchs are going to be difficult. The wars of the roses are a confusing time for many people... so let's just start with a breakdown, ok?
Remember that Edward III had 5 sons. (In order:) Edward, Lionel, John, Edmund, and Thomas.
When Richard II was killed, Henry Bollingbroke, grandson of Edward III and son of John of Gaunt took over. He inherited the Lancaster region from his mother, so his was called House Lancaster. They were Plantagenets, but they controlled Lancashire.
John was the third son of Edward III, but his SECOND son (Lionel) had had a daughter. That daughter's granddaughter married the grandson of the FOURTH son (Edmund). This marriage controlled the northern region of York.
Richard II had come from the FIRST son (Edward the Black Prince) but had died childless. So... when Richard II was killed, who should be king?
The 1st son's line was dead. The Yorks were descended from the 2nd and 4th son's lines... but the SECOND line was through a woman, and the FOURTH line was through a man.
The Lancasters were descended from the 3rd son's line, by way of men.
So, you see... the Yorks said "We're the senior line (second.)
The Lancasters said "No way! You're from the fourth line, we're from the third! (Because men.) We're the senior line!"
The irony of the Lancaster claim making them all technically unsuited for the throne of France (through Isabella) was conveniently not brought up by the Lancasters.
So anyway, the Lancasters finally took initiative. When Richard II exiled Henry of Bollingroke and the entire Lancaster line from the running, Henry simply usurped the throne. The Yorks wouldn't stand for it... at least, not for long.
Questions, class?
Remember that Edward III had 5 sons. (In order:) Edward, Lionel, John, Edmund, and Thomas.
When Richard II was killed, Henry Bollingbroke, grandson of Edward III and son of John of Gaunt took over. He inherited the Lancaster region from his mother, so his was called House Lancaster. They were Plantagenets, but they controlled Lancashire.
John was the third son of Edward III, but his SECOND son (Lionel) had had a daughter. That daughter's granddaughter married the grandson of the FOURTH son (Edmund). This marriage controlled the northern region of York.
Richard II had come from the FIRST son (Edward the Black Prince) but had died childless. So... when Richard II was killed, who should be king?
The 1st son's line was dead. The Yorks were descended from the 2nd and 4th son's lines... but the SECOND line was through a woman, and the FOURTH line was through a man.
The Lancasters were descended from the 3rd son's line, by way of men.
So, you see... the Yorks said "We're the senior line (second.)
The Lancasters said "No way! You're from the fourth line, we're from the third! (Because men.) We're the senior line!"
The irony of the Lancaster claim making them all technically unsuited for the throne of France (through Isabella) was conveniently not brought up by the Lancasters.
So anyway, the Lancasters finally took initiative. When Richard II exiled Henry of Bollingroke and the entire Lancaster line from the running, Henry simply usurped the throne. The Yorks wouldn't stand for it... at least, not for long.
Questions, class?