 By the middle of the 15th century England was increasingly divided between the rival royal factions of the Lancastrians and the Yorkists . Castles such as Windsor did not play a decisive role during the resulting Wars of the Roses ( 1455 – 85 ) , which were fought primarily in the form of pitched battles between the rival factions . Henry VI , born at Windsor Castle and known as Henry of Windsor , became king at the young age of nine months . His long period of minority , coupled with the increasing tensions between Henry 's Lancastrian supporters and the Yorkists , distracted attention from Windsor . The Garter Feasts and other ceremonial activities at the castle became more infrequent and less well attended . 
