The late 15th century in England was a turbulent period marked by dynastic conflict, political intrigue, and shifting allegiances. The Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), a series of civil wars fought between the houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne, had ravaged the country for decades. The conclusion of this era saw the rise of the Tudor dynasty under Henry VII, a Lancastrian claimant who defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. However, Henry’s hold on the throne was far from secure. One of the most notable challenges to his reign came from an unlikely figure, Lambert Simnel, who was crowned as “King Edward VI” in Dublin on May 24, 1487. This article explores the background, circumstances, and aftermath of Simnel’s coronation, shedding light on its significance in English and Irish history.

Historical Background: The Wars of the Roses and the Tudor Ascendancy

To understand the significance of Lambert Simnel’s coronation, one must first grasp the political context of the time. The Wars of the Roses pitted two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet—the House of Lancaster (represented by a red rose) and the House of York (represented by a white rose)—against each other in a struggle for control of the English crown. The conflict was marked by shifting alliances, betrayals, and battles that decimated the English nobility.

The last Yorkist king, Richard III, was defeated by Henry Tudor, a Lancastrian claimant, at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Henry Tudor became King Henry VII, founding the Tudor dynasty. However, his claim to the throne was tenuous; many Yorkist supporters refused to accept his rule, and factions still sought to restore Yorkist claims. shutdown123