Richard Woodville, 1st Earl of Rivers

Richard Woodville, 1st Earl of Rivers KG, also known as Wydeville, served in various military and courtly roles during the 15th century. Born in Maidstone, Kent, he was the son of Richard Wydeville and Joan Bittlesgate. His early career was marked by service with the Duke of Bedford, and after the Duke’s death, he controversially married the widowed Duchess, Jacquetta of Luxembourg. Despite their differing social ranks, the couple prospered, with Richard gaining military titles and the couple’s children enjoying privilege. Richard fought in several military campaigns in France and was appointed to key defensive positions in England. His shift from the Lancastrian to the Yorkist side during the Wars of the Roses led to his daughter Elizabeth marrying Edward IV, thus elevating the Woodville family’s status. However, the family’s rise caused resentment among the nobility, leading to their eventual downfall. Richard was executed after the Battle of Edgecote, and his titles passed to his son Anthony.