The struggle for the crown takes on new dimensions as the realm of King Henry VI tears itself apart in civil war. His defeat in battle at St. Albans has placed the Duke of York on the throne. Henry and York agree that Henry rules until death but that York would then inherit the crown. Queen Margaret, unwilling to accept the disinheritance of her son, leads a counterattack by the Lancastrians. Soon a whole nation suffers under wars led by warmongering nobles driven by personal vendettas. King Henry retreats into contemplation; overcome by the senselessness of war, by fathers killing sons, sons killing fathers. Henry loses the throne again, and Edward, son of the murdered Duke of York, becomes king. But peace is illusive, as in the background his own brother Richard prepares the way for his own rise to the throne.