Royal Bastards: Rise of the Tudors is a three-part history docudrama that transports us back to a tumultuous, violent time of civil wars, usurped kings, intrigues and plots. This is the story of the Wars of the Roses and the origins of the Tudor dynasty.
Covering the second period of the Wars of the Roses (roughly 1468-1471). We learn that while Edward IV has managed to retain his throne, he has also alienated his right-hand man Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick aka the Kingmaker. Like many in England, Margaret Beaufort has learned how to compromise with Edward’s rule and manages to keep hold of her lands and her life under Yorkist rule. Warwick proceeds to lead a rebellion against Edward, allying with the king’s brother George, Duke of Clarence, and his former enemy, Queen Margaret of Anjou. For a brief period, Warwick achieves his aims and Henry VI returns to the throne but Edward IV will not give up that easily. This episode ends with his return to England, his triumphant victory over Warwick at the battle of Barnet, and then over Queen Margaret of Anjou at the battle of Tewkesbury. Edward IV is once again safe on the English throne whilst Margaret Beaufort’s son, Henry Tudor, is driven into exile.
