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Cecily Neville: Matriarch of the Yorks

Apr 23, 2025

History Calling: Cecily Neville, Duchess of York

Introduction

  • Focus on Cecily Neville, Duchess of York
  • Survived the Wars of the Roses
  • Mother of Kings Edward IV and Richard III
  • Part of the Plantagenet family

Background and Early Life

  • Born on May 3, 1415
  • Possibly at Raby Castle
  • Part of a large, blended family
    • Mother: Joan Beaufort (previously married)
    • Father: Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmoreland
  • Little known about her childhood
  • Married to Richard, Duke of York at age 9

Family Connections

  • Mother: Joan, daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Catherine Swynford
  • John of Gaunt: Third son of Edward III
  • Connection to Henry IV and V

Marriage and Children

  • Married Richard, Duke of York in 1423
  • Children: Edward IV, Edmund, Elizabeth, Margaret, George, Richard III, and others
  • Large family, but many died young

Political Context

  • Wars of the Roses: Major conflict influencing Cecily's life
  • Richard's claim to the throne due to descent from Edward III

Key Events and Challenges

  • Richard's governance in France and Ireland
  • Strain in marriage due to separations
  • Political upheaval and battles (St. Albans, Ludford Bridge)
  • Richard's death at the Battle of Wakefield (December 1460)
  • Cecily's capture and temporary loss of estates
  • Reunited with son, Edward, after Yorkist victory in 1460

Personal and Political Influence

  • Attempted to influence Henry VI through correspondence
  • Managed family estates in Richard's absence

Legacy and Reflection

  • Cecily's position as a mother and political figure
  • Her resilience through personal and political turmoil
  • Complex legacy within the Wars of the Roses

Conclusion

  • Richard's failed kingship attempt

  • Cecily's continued influence despite setbacks

  • Video series continues with more on the women of the Wars of the Roses


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  • Additional Resources: Books and documentaries on Cecily Neville's life available in the description