Brother Rivalry in Medieval England: How Sibling Feuds Shaped Kingship

This episode traces sibling clashes from William the Conqueror's sons through the Wars of the Roses, showing that primogeniture was contested and succession often turned into open conflict. By looking at contemporary records and key battles – Tinchebray, Hastings, Barnet, Perkin's Field – we uncover how fraternal rivalries shaped England’s political landscape and laid groundwork for later constitutional developments. It reminds us that inheritance rules were fluid, that brothers could become rivals or allies, and that the monarchy had to navigate complex family dynamics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices