The Wars of the Roses was a 15th century conflict between the House of Lancaster and the House of York for the English throne. The Battle of Towton was a decisive battle that saw the House of York defeat the House of Lancaster. The document discusses how the battle was one of the bloodiest in English history, with thousands killed. It resulted in Edward of York claiming the throne, cementing Yorkist control but also showing the devastation of the ongoing war between the houses.