Richard Neville was a hero in his own time. He was very popular, a strategist, a plotter, a winner, and a loser, but he never gave up. He was Warwick, the Kingmaker. I wanted to write about him briefly as I have based my hero on him.
Warwick was born to one of the most powerful families in England at the time, the Nevilles. He "inherited" his title, Earl of Warwick, from his wedding to Anne Beauchamp in 1449. Warwick's marriage made him even more powerful as it allied him with another prominent family, the Beauforts.
Early in his career, he distinguished himself early on as a starfighter in the Battle of St Albans. Because of his valor, he was appointed Captain of Calais as a reward, one of
the most important English strongholds in France.
In 1459, Warwick attempted to "invade England" with the goal of taking King Henry VI prisoner.
Warwick later made a critical decision that resulted in the coronation of Edward IV, which ultimately led to his downfall. He fell out of favor with Edward IV and was forced into exile a few years later. He eventually returned to England and took hold of the throne but lost it again shortly thereafter. He then "teamed up" with Margaret of Anjou and again took control of the throne.
However, Warwick's final plot failed, and he was killed in battle. His body was displayed in public at St Paul's Cathedral as a warning to others who would dare challenge the king.
Warwick was a complex figure who played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses. Despite the fact that he ultimately failed in his attempt to gain control of the English throne, he is one of history's most fascinating personalities.
This is a very brief apercu of his life, but if you want to read more about this remarkable personage have a look at the book of Paul Kendall.
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