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Ralph Neville, 3rd Earl of Westmorland facts for kids

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Ralph Neville, 3rd Earl of Westmorland
Spouse(s) Isabel Booth
Issue
Ralph Neville, Lord Neville
Lady Anne Neville
Noble family Neville
Father John Neville, Baron Neville
Mother Lady Anne Holland
Born c. 1456
Raby Castle, Durham, England.
Died 6 February 1499
Hornby Castle, Yorkshire, England.

Ralph Neville, who lived from about 1456 to 1499, was an important English nobleman. He held the title of the 3rd Earl of Westmorland. He was also the grandfather of the 4th Earl of Westmorland, another famous Ralph Neville.

Early Life and Family

Ralph Neville was born around 1456. His birthplace was likely Raby Castle in Durham, England. He was the only child of John Neville, who was a baron. His mother was Anne Holland. She was the daughter of John Holland, the 2nd Duke of Exeter. Ralph's father was the younger brother of Ralph Neville, the 2nd Earl of Westmorland.

Becoming a Nobleman

Ralph's father fought for the Lancastrians. He died in a big battle called the Battle of Towton in 1461. After his father's death, Ralph's family lost many of their lands and titles. This was because of a legal punishment called an attainder.

In 1472, Ralph Neville worked hard to get his family's lands back. He successfully reversed the attainder. This meant he got back most of his family's estates. He also became a nobleman with the title of Lord Neville.

Serving the King

In 1475, Ralph Neville was made a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor given by King Edward IV. He was knighted alongside the King's own sons.

Ralph also worked as a justice of the peace in Durham. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.

King Richard III rewarded Ralph Neville for his loyalty. In 1484, the King gave him lands in Somerset and Berkshire. These rewards were for his "good services against the rebels." Later that year, Ralph helped keep peace with Scotland. He was part of a group called a "commissioner" for this task.

In November 1484, Ralph's uncle, the 2nd Earl of Westmorland, passed away. Ralph then became the 3rd Earl of Westmorland. He also gained the title of Lord Neville (from an older creation in 1295).

Under a New King

After the Yorkist side lost the Battle of Bosworth, a new king came to power. This was King Henry VII. Ralph Neville, the Earl of Westmorland, showed his loyalty to the new king. He made agreements and promised to support King Henry.

In 1497, the Earl of Westmorland led part of the English army. This army went to Scotland. They were there because the Scottish King, James IV, was supporting someone who claimed to be the English king. This person was named Perkin Warbeck.

Later Life and Passing

Ralph Neville's oldest son, also named Ralph, died in 1498. This was a sad event for the Earl. Ralph Neville, the 3rd Earl of Westmorland, passed away on February 6, 1499. He died at Hornby Castle, Yorkshire. This castle was the home of his son-in-law, Sir William Conyers. People said he died from sadness after his son's death. He was buried in the local church there. His grandson, Ralph Neville, became the 4th Earl of Westmorland.

Family Life

Before 1473, Ralph Neville married Isabel Booth. She was the daughter of Sir Roger Booth. Isabel was also the niece of Lawrence Booth, who was the Archbishop of York. Ralph and Isabel had a son and a daughter:

  • Ralph Neville, Lord Neville (died 1498). He was the oldest son. In 1485, his father allowed King Henry VII to arrange his marriage. Lord Neville first married Mary Paston. She was the daughter of Sir William Paston. Mary sadly passed away around 1489 from measles. They did not have any children together.
  • Lady Anne Neville. She married William Conyers, 1st Baron Conyers first. Later, she married Anthony Saltmarsh.

After Mary Paston died, Lord Neville married Edith Sandys. She was the sister of William Sandys, 1st Baron Sandys. Lord Neville and Edith had three children:

After Lord Neville died in 1498, his wife Edith married Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Darcy.

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