Roses is coming to Lancaster in 2026 and to celebrate the Library is displaying a selection of rare items from Special Collections and Archives.

This public exhibition tells the story of the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487), the medieval contest between Lancaster and York which inspired the annual tournament.

Using a collection of books, images, and manuscripts, this exhibition follows the violent struggle for England’s throne, including the troubled reign of Henry VI (1421-1471), the rise of Edward IV (1442-1483), Richard III (1452-1485) and the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, and Henry VII (1457-1509) and the creation of the Tudor dynasty.

This exhibition draws upon materials from Burnley Grammar School Library and the Frederick C. Happold Collection.

Some of the items on display include a chronicle of England by Richard Grafton, printed in 1568, and Francis Bacon’s biography of Henry VII, published in 1622.

In addition to Roses 2026, this exhibition coincides with the 555th anniversary of the Battle of Tewkesbury (4 May 1471), a pivotal battle in the Wars of the Roses.

You can find this exhibition in the Library entrance until Friday 15 May.