Royal Bastards: Rise of the Tudors

Episode 1 covers the first period of the Wars of the Roses (roughly 1453-1461), telling the story of Henry VI’s sudden illness and the impact that had on England. The drama portrays power struggles between Richard of York and Margaret of Anjou, as well as the emergence of Richard’s son Edward as a contender for the throne. Margaret Beaufort is introduced as a young mother and key member of the house of Lancaster; her husband Edmund Tudor dies in dramatic circumstances, leaving Margaret to take control of her destiny. The episode finishes with Edward’s triumph at the battle of Towton, the imprisonment of Henry VI, and the exile of Queen Margaret.