Ralph Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland

Ralph Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland KG PC Earl Marshal, was an English nobleman of the House of Neville, born around 1364 to John Neville, 3rd Baron Neville, and Maud Percy. He embarked on his military career in Brittany under King Richard II’s uncle and was knighted in 1380. Neville inherited his father’s title at 24, was summoned to Parliament, and was appointed to various commissions, including overseeing fortifications on the Scottish border and serving as keeper of the royal forests north of the Trent. His loyalty to King Richard II was notable, but he shifted allegiance to support his brother-in-law Henry Bolingbroke, who later became King Henry IV.

For his support of Henry IV, Neville was rewarded with several titles and appointments, including Earl Marshal and a lifetime grant of the honour of Richmond. He played a key role in quelling the Percy rebellion and received significant land grants for his efforts. Westmorland was also a notable builder, responsible for works at Sheriff Hutton Castle, Raby Castle, and possibly Richmond parish church. He founded a college at Staindrop and may have built Penrith castle. His influence extended into the reigns of Henry IV, Henry V, and during the minority of Henry VI, despite not participating in the French campaigns.