Definition

Proper noun The House of York was a cadet branch of the English royal House of Plantagenet. During the 15th century, three of its members became Kings of England, reigning from 1461 until 1485. The dynasty is most famous for its involvement in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne, where its symbol was a white rose.

Usage Examples

• The House of York claimed the throne through descent from Lionel, Duke of Clarence.
• Edward IV was the first king from the House of York.
• The conflict between the House of York and the House of Lancaster devastated the English nobility.

Advanced Usage

• "Yorkist": A supporter or member of the House of York.
  • The Yorkist forces won a decisive victory at the Battle of Towton.
• To be used historically to denote the faction, its reign, or its legacy.
  • The end of the House of York's rule came with the death of Richard III at Bosworth Field.

Variants and Related Words

• Yorkist (noun/adjective): Pertaining to the House of York.
• Wars of the Roses: The series of dynastic conflicts between the Houses of York and Lancaster.
• White Rose: The heraldic badge and symbol of the House of York.

Synonyms

• The York line
• The York dynasty
• The White Rose faction

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The sun in splendour": A Yorkist badge and motto used by King Edward IV.
  • Edward IV's standard often featured the "sun in splendour."

Noun

1. the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose