How were Medieval English Houses identified? i.e. House of York? Question regarding names, Houses, and lineage.

by Mystery_Knight

I just read a book on the Wars of the Roses, dynastic wars between the the House of York and the House of Lancaster of England. I have a few questions regarding the names and Houses etc. For the sake of example I will use the House of York.

Did members of the House of York identify with a last name? For example, Richard the Third Duke of York is a member of the York House, but do all members of the York male line have a similar surname? If not how did that work? Did they just recognize that they were descendants of the Plantagenet line?

Any info would be of great help. Thanks in advance!

DeSoulis

The House of York refer to their title as the Dukes of York, they would have the surname Plantagenet as long as they descended from the male line. Richard of York for instance would be Richard Plantagenet, their Lancaster opponents would also have the same surname.