In the Wars of the Roses: A Story for the Young

In Short

Set during the fifteenth-century Wars of the Roses, this historical adventure follows Paul Stukely, a fiercely loyal youth who risks everything to serve and protect Edward, Prince of Wales. From chance encounters with forest bandits and secret encounters with Lollard heretics to the bloody battlefield of Tewkesbury, Paul's journey brings him into intimate contact with the tragic collapse of the Lancastrian cause. Evelyn Everett-Green's novel has endured as a classic juvenile narrative for its swift, cinematic plotting, its vivid realization of medieval domestic life, and its poignant portrayal of steadfast loyalty amidst violent political upheaval.

The Story

The narrative opens in Lichfield during a royal progress. Young Paul Stukely, the youngest son of a noble knight, watches in awe as King Henry VI, Queen Margaret, and the young Prince of Wales arrive in the city. Captivated by the fair prince, Paul receives a silver swan badge from the royal child—a token of favor that cements his lifelong devotion to the House of Lancaster. When a band of lawless troopers attempts to kidnap Paul after mistaking him for the young heir, the boy heroically risks his own life to protect the prince's whereabouts, earning the lifelong gratitude of the royal family.

Years later, as the dynastic struggle worsens, Paul lives the roving life of an adventurer. While traversing dark forests, he rescues a young maiden, Joan, from a group of brutal robbers, though he is severely wounded in the fight. Joan takes him to her family's homestead, Figeon's Farm, where he is nursed back to health. There, Paul makes two surprising discoveries: the household practices the outlawed Lollard faith, reading Wycliffe’s translated Bible in secret, and Joan's timid suitor, Will, fears he has lost her love to Paul. Paul gently reassures Will, helps the couple reconcile, and agrees to stay for their rustic wedding.

During his stay, Paul is unexpectedly reunited with his noble young kinsman—who is actually Prince Edward traveling in disguise. When the robber band attacks the farm to abduct Joan, Paul and Edward fight side by side, throwing the lead intruder out a window and defending the household. The two youths forge a deep brotherhood and set out together toward Leigh's Priory. Along their perilous journey, they navigate treasonous traps at a London inn, where a shady peddler attempts to drug them. Paul successfully guides Edward to safety, but, exhausted by cold and fatigue, he is captured by outlaws and dragged to a hidden cavern at Black Notley. He is rescued by a local girl and her fiancé, who guide him back to shelter.

While recovering at the farm, Paul secretly reads the forbidden Wycliffe Bible hidden behind a sliding panel, finding unexpected comfort in its translated verses. Soon after, the conflict reaches its climax as the Lancastrian forces gather at Tewkesbury Abbey. Paul rides proudly alongside Prince Edward into the fateful battle. The Lancastrians are routed through internal confusion and Duke Somerset's impetuous violence. Paul desperately searches the chaotic camp for his prince, only to find the gentle Lady Anne—Edward's bride—disguised as a page boy, begging to reach her husband. Prince Edward is captured and slain, bringing a heartbreaking end to Lancastrian hopes. Years later, a knighted Paul returns with his sons to Figeon's Farm, celebrating the enduring friendships forged in those dark days.

How It Unfolds

The prince's token Young Paul Stukely watches the Lancastrian royal family arrive at Lichfield and receives a silver swan badge from the young Prince of Wales. When outlaws capture Paul believing he is the prince, the boy willingly faces death to protect the real heir, earning the king's royal gratitude.

Rescue in the forest Years later, Paul saves a young woman named Joan from a gang of violent forest robbers. Wounded during the struggle, he is brought to Figeon's Farm to recover from his injuries under the care of Joan's welcoming family.

Heretics and wedding bells While recovering, Paul discovers that his hosts belong to the forbidden Lollard movement and read Wycliffe's Bible in secret. He helps clear up a misunderstanding between Joan and her timid suitor, Will, staying on to join in their joyous country wedding.

The outlaw's raid Reunited with Prince Edward in disguise, Paul defends the farm when the robber chieftain breaks into Joan's bedroom to abduct her. Paul throws the intruder's ladder to the icy ground and fights off the attackers, saving the bride on the eve of her marriage.

Trapped at the inn Escorting the prince toward Leigh's Priory, Paul senses treachery at a crowded London inn when a suspicious peddler offers them a drugged drink. Paul safely smuggles the prince out of danger but collapses from exhaustion and is captured by outlaws.

Escape from the cavern Brought to a hidden cavern at Black Notley, Paul is rescued by a young girl who leads him through a secret exit to her fiancé. Mounted on a light palfrey, Paul escapes into the starry night and is brought back to shelter.

The tragedy of Tewkesbury Paul rides alongside Prince Edward in the fateful Battle of Tewkesbury, where Lancastrian leadership collapses in chaos and bloody betrayal. Paul searches the camp for his royal friend, only to encounter Lady Anne in disguise as Edward is brought to his tragic end.

A return to Figeon's Farm Decades later, Sir Paul Stukely returns with his young sons to visit Figeon's Farm, Leigh's Priory, and the forest caves. They share stories of peril and devotion with old friends, keeping the memory of Prince Edward alive for a new generation.

The People

• Paul Stukely: The courageous youngest son of a loyal knight who wants above all else to serve the House of Lancaster. Unaccustomed to high praise at home, his brave spirit and selfless loyalty drive him to repeatedly risk his life for his prince, ultimately transforming him into a battle-tested, noble knight.
• Edward, Prince of Wales: The gallant, charming heir to the English throne who wants to restore his father's kingdom and lead his supporters with honor. Hindered by political chaos, dynastic rivalries, and ruthless foes, he meets a tragic end at Tewkesbury despite his unwavering bravery.
• Joan Devenish: A brave young farm woman who wants a peaceful life with her betrothed, Will. Held back by the constant menace of local outlaws and misunderstandings of the heart, her resilience and gratitude bind her family in lasting friendship with Paul.
• The Robber Chieftain (Simon Dowsett): A ruthless, opportunistic bandit leader who wants wealth, hostages, and revenge against Paul. Standing in the way of peace throughout the countryside, his lawless cruelty drives much of the peril facing the protagonists.
• Lady Anne: The gentle, devoted bride of Prince Edward who wants only to remain beside her husband. Impediments of war force her into severe danger, driving her to disguise herself as a humble page boy to reach Edward's side in the enemy's camp.

In Its Own Voice

"I am not afraid to die in a good cause, and this worthy man will perchance take home my body to my mother, that it may lie in time beside hers."

Young Paul addresses his captors with incredible composure, offering his own life rather than revealing that he is not the Prince of Wales.

"I follow a different mistress from you. I may never know rest or peace till the House of Lancaster is restored to its ancient rights."

Paul reassures the hesitant suitor Will that he has no intention of competing for Joan's heart, dedicating himself entirely to his royal duty.

"If we ride not to victory, Paul, let us ride to death with a courage that shall not disgrace the kingly blood that both of us can boast in some measure."

Prince Edward turns to Paul on the field of Tewkesbury, facing their perilous first battle with steadfast, high-minded courage.

What It's Really About

Beneath its rousing sequence of forest ambushes and royal intrigue, the book explores the nature of true loyalty, spiritual conscience, and the human cost of dynastic ambition. Everett-Green contrasts the self-serving violence of outlaws and opportunistic nobles with the quiet integrity of humble farmers and devoted friends. The story frequently examines religious tolerance through Paul’s exposure to the forbidden Wycliffe Bible; despite his strict Catholic upbringing, he recognizes the genuine goodness and comfort within the English scripture. Ultimately, the narrative questions whether worldly power and royal blood offer any real security, concluding that personal honor, humble faith, and steadfast friendship are the only true safeguards in a fractured, turbulent world.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy classical historical fiction, medieval lore, and high-stakes adventure will find much to admire in In the Wars of the Roses. Everett-Green crafts a narrative that feels both sweeping and intimate, seamlessly blending major historical milestones with the cozy, rustic details of late-medieval farm life. The prose moves with swift energy, balancing tense close-quarters combat and narrow escapes with heartfelt moments of camaraderie.

Modern readers should be prepared for typical late-Victorian stylistic conventions, including occasional elevated dialogue ("in good sooth," "fain would I") and a romanticized view of chivalric duty. However, these period touches enhance the atmosphere rather than slow down the pace. The book’s emotional resonance—particularly the tragic, unvarnished depiction of the Battle of Tewkesbury and Paul's lifelong remembrance of his fallen prince—elevates it far above standard adventure fare. It is a satisfying, deeply atmospheric read that leaves a lasting impression of courage and quiet devotion.

<ElicitationsGroup message="Explore this historical narrative further:"> <Elicitation label="Break down the historical background of the Battle of Tewkesbury" query="Provide a historical overview of the Battle of Tewkesbury (1471) during the Wars of the Roses, detailing the key commanders and outcomes."/> <Elicitation label="Compare this book with other Victorian historical juvenile fiction" query="How does Evelyn Everett-Green's approach to historical fiction compare to contemporaries like G.A. Henty or Charlotte Yonge?"/> </ElicitationsGroup>