Cecily Neville

Cecily Neville was an English noblewoman, born at Raby Castle in Durham. She was the wife of Richard, Duke of York, and mother to Edward IV and Richard III, both of whom became kings of England. Noted for her pride and temper, she balanced these traits with a strong sense of piety, and was commonly referred to as ‘the Rose of Raby’ and ‘Proud Cis’. She signed her name as ‘Cecylle’.

Her husband was a significant claimant to the English throne from the House of York during the Wars of the Roses until his death in 1460. Cecily’s son Edward ascended to the throne as Edward IV in 1461, following the deposition of Henry VI from the House of Lancaster. As a result, Cecily was close to becoming the queen consort of England but ultimately never did.