Richard Woodville, 3rd Earl Rivers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Woodville
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|---|---|
| 3rd Earl Rivers | |
| Earl Rivers | |
| Tenure | 1483–1491 |
| Predecessor | Anthony Woodville, 2nd Earl Rivers |
| Successor | none |
| Born | 1453 Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire, Kingdom of England |
| Died | 6 March 1491 (aged 37–38) |
| Father | Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers |
| Mother | Jacquetta of Luxembourg |
Richard Woodville, 3rd Earl Rivers (born 1453 – died 6 March 1491) was an important English nobleman. He became the third Earl Rivers after his brother, Anthony Woodville, passed away. Richard was the son of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers, and Jacquetta of Luxembourg. He was also the brother of Elizabeth Woodville, who became the Queen of England.
Richard's Early Life
Richard Woodville was born in 1453. During a time when Henry VI briefly returned to power in 1470, Richard might have supported him. This period was known as the "Readeption of Henry VI."
However, when King Edward IV returned to power in 1471, Richard was forgiven. King Edward IV was married to Richard's sister, Elizabeth. Unlike his older brother Anthony, Richard did not receive many special benefits from King Edward. He worked on smaller tasks, like helping with official visits to other countries.
Becoming Earl Rivers
Richard's life changed when Richard III became king. King Richard III had Richard's brother Anthony executed and took the throne. After this, Richard Woodville became the new Earl Rivers.
The king took away Richard's lands, but he did not harm him further. Richard seemed to be involved in a rebellion in 1483, led by the Duke of Buckingham. Because of this, Richard lost his rights and property for a short time. However, he was later forgiven.
Life After the Rebellion
It is not clear if Richard joined Henry Tudor in 1485. Henry Tudor later became King Henry VII. After Henry's victory, Richard's lands were given back to him.
Richard worked in local government in areas like Hereford, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire. However, he never held a very high or powerful position in the government.
The End of the Earldom
Richard Woodville was the last person in his family to hold the title of Earl Rivers. He never married, and he did not have any children. When he died on March 6, 1491, the title of Earl Rivers ended.
The lands that came with the earldom went back to the king. Richard's own personal lands were given to his nephew, Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset.
