... the duke of Somerset in 1450. This made York's claim to the throne even less likely to succeed. The Duke of York was arrogant and liked to get his own way. He also did not like to give in. This is shown when, on a number of occasions, he flees the country, only to return again at a later date. The personalities of the major contributors to the Wars of the Roses were a major factor to effect the change in the fortunes of the two sides. Henry VI's disposition, especially after the English's defeat at France was extremely fragile. However, his wife, Margaret of Anjou was a strong, powerful woman with good leadership skills. Together, these contrasting personalities helped to create a violent and easily disrupted political system and a change of fortune for the Lancastrian's as Henry's condition deteriorated. Henry's madness begun in mid-1453 and continued ...

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