What is the origin and symbolism of the Tudor Rose?
The Tudor Rose is usually shown as a white rose set inside a red rose (although the reverse is sometimes seen). These two roses are the origin of the term The Wars of the Roses for the battle between the houses of York and Lancaster in the 15th century.
The White Rose was a symbol of the House of York, but the Red Rose wasn't actually used as a symbol of Lancaster during the wars. Henry VII (an heir of the House of Lancaster) adopted it and combined it with the White Rose to form the Tudor Rose. It symbolized the end of the Wars and the uniting of the two houses after Henry married Elizabeth of York.