Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richard Woodville |
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| Earl Rivers Knight of the Garter |
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Sir Richard Woodville depicted on the Order of the Garter Stall Plate in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor
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| Born | 1405 |
| Died | 12 August 1469 (aged 63 or 64) |
| Spouse | Jacquetta of Luxembourg |
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| Father | Richard Wydeville |
| Mother | Joan Bittlesgate |
Richard Woodville, also known as Wydeville, was an important English nobleman who lived from 1405 to 1469. He became the 1st Earl Rivers and was a Knight of the Garter, a very special honor. He is perhaps best known as the father of Elizabeth Woodville, who later became the Queen of England by marrying King Edward IV. This made Richard Woodville the king's father-in-law.
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Where Did Richard Woodville Grow Up?
Richard Woodville was born in Maidstone, a town in Kent, England. His father was also named Richard Woodville, and he worked for the Duke of Bedford, a powerful royal duke. His mother was Joan Bittlesgate. Richard's family had been important in their local area for some time. His grandfather, John Wydeville, was even the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, a key local official.
How Did Richard Woodville Get Married?
Richard Woodville followed in his father's footsteps and began working for the Duke of Bedford. In 1433, the Duke married a young woman named Jacquetta of Luxembourg. She was only 17, and the Duke was much older and not very healthy. When the Duke died in 1435, Jacquetta became a rich widow without children.
Widows of royal dukes usually needed the king's permission to remarry. But in 1437, it was discovered that Jacquetta had secretly married Richard Woodville. This was a big deal because Richard was not as high-ranking as Jacquetta. People thought he was not a suitable husband for someone still seen as the king's aunt. The couple had to pay a large fine, but it was later canceled.
Despite this difficult start, Richard and Jacquetta became very successful. Jacquetta kept her important status and wealth as the Duchess of Bedford. This gave them a good income. Richard Woodville also gained military ranks and proved himself to be a skilled soldier.
How Did the Woodvilles Become More Powerful?
The family gained even more influence when King Henry VI married Margaret of Anjou. Jacquetta's sister was married to Margaret of Anjou's uncle, which created a strong family connection to the new queen. The Woodvilles were chosen to help escort Margaret to England.
Because of these royal connections, the family became even more important. In 1448, Richard Woodville was given the title of Baron Rivers by King Henry VI. This meant his children would grow up with many advantages and a comfortable life.
Richard Woodville's Military and Political Roles
Richard Woodville was a brave soldier and leader. He served in France in 1433 and fought in several battles and campaigns. He was made a captain and later a knight banneret, a special kind of knight who could lead his own soldiers.
In 1450, he was made a Knight of the Garter, one of the highest honors a knight could receive. He also held important positions like seneschal of Gascony and lieutenant of Calais, which were key areas in France. He was also appointed Warden of the Cinque Ports, a role that involved defending the coast of Kent.
During the Wars of the Roses, a long conflict between two royal families, Richard Woodville first supported the House of Lancaster. However, when it seemed the Lancastrians were losing, he switched his support to the House of York. He became friends with Edward IV, who would later become his son-in-law.
On May 1, 1464, Edward IV secretly married Richard's daughter, Elizabeth Woodville. She was a widow and not from a royal family, which surprised many people. In 1466, Richard Woodville was given the even higher title of Earl Rivers. He also became the Lord Treasurer, managing the country's money, and the Constable of England, a very powerful military role.
Challenges and End of Life
The sudden rise of the Woodville family made many older noble families unhappy, especially the powerful Earl of Warwick. They saw Richard Woodville as someone who had risen too quickly from a lower social class. The King's council even openly said that Elizabeth's lower social standing meant she was not a suitable wife for the king.
In 1468, Warwick's supporters attacked and looted the Woodville family's lands. The next year, a war broke out with the goal of destroying the Woodvilles' power. After the Yorkist army lost the Battle of Edgecote in July 1469, Richard Woodville and his son John were captured. They were quickly put on trial and then killed in August 1469.
Richard Woodville's oldest son, Anthony, took over his title as Earl Rivers.
Richard Woodville's Children
Richard and Jacquetta had a very large family with 15 children. Many of them went on to marry into important noble families or hold significant positions.
- Elizabeth Woodville (around 1437–1492) married King Edward IV and became Queen of England.
- Anthony Woodville (1442–1483) became the 2nd Earl Rivers after his father.
- Lionel Woodville (1447–1484) became the Bishop of Salisbury, an important church leader.
- Catherine Woodville (around 1458–1497) married Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and later Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford.
The name "Woodville" is how we spell it today. In their own time, people used different spellings like "Wydeville."
Richard Woodville in Stories
Richard Woodville is a character in some historical fiction. He appears in Philippa Gregory's 2011 novel The Lady of the Rivers, which is about his wife Jacquetta. He is also played by actor Robert Pugh in The White Queen television series.
Images for kids
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Elizabeth Woodville, who became Queen of England.
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Anthony Woodville (kneeling) and William Caxton presenting the first printed book in English to King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth.
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Catherine Woodville (left) and her second husband Jasper Tudor, shown in stained glass.
