Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury

Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury KG PC, was an English nobleman born at Raby Castle in 1400. As the third son of Ralph de Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland, and Joan Beaufort, he unexpectedly rose to prominence due to the shifting fortunes of his family. Initially a key supporter of the House of York, he played a significant role in the early stages of the Wars of the Roses. His lineage linked him to the English royalty through his mother, Joan Beaufort, the granddaughter of King Edward III. Richard’s marriage to Alice Montagu, heiress of the 4th Earl of Salisbury, brought him substantial lands and influence, including the title of Earl of Salisbury upon his father-in-law’s death in 1428.

Salisbury’s tenure as Warden of the West March enhanced his military and political clout, allowing him to command experienced soldiers and wield economic power in the region. His strategic marriages for his children further solidified the Neville family’s status. However, his ascent stirred rivalries, most notably with the Percy family, which contributed to regional and national conflicts. Salisbury’s legacy includes his son, Richard Neville, the ‘Kingmaker’, who would become a central figure in the Wars of the Roses.