Biography of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers 1405-1469

Paternal Family Tree: Woodville

Maternal Family Tree: Joan Beauchamp 1370

1433 John Duke of Bedford marries Jacquetta Luxemburg

1435 Battle of Gerberoy

1460 January Raid on Sandwich

1461 Battle of Towton

1461 Coronation of Edward IV

1464 Marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville

1465 Marriage of John Woodville and Catherine Neville

1469 Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury

1469 Execution of the Woodvilles

1472 Death of Jacquetta of Luxembourg

Before 1405 [his father] Richard Woodville (age 20) and [his mother] Joan Bittelsgate (age 14) were married.

In 1405 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers was born to Richard Woodville (age 20) and Joan Bittelsgate (age 15) at Maidstone, Kent [Map].

In 1433 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 28) served at France.

John Duke of Bedford marries Jacquetta Luxemburg

On 22 Apr 1433 John Duke Bedford (age 43) and [his future wife] Jacquetta Luxemburg (age 18) were married at Thérouanne [Map]. She by marriage Duchess Bedford. The difference in their ages was 25 years. She the daughter of Peter Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol (age 43) and [his future mother-in-law] Margherita Baux (age 39). He the son of King Henry IV of England and Mary Bohun. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

The marriage caused a rift with Philip "Good" Duke Burgundy (age 36), John's late wife's brother, who regarded the marriage, some five months after his sister's death, an insult to her memory. There was no issue from the marriage with John dying a year and a half later.

Battle of Gerberoy

On 09 May 1435 a French force commanded by Étienne Vignolles "La Hire" heavily defeated an English force commanded by John Fitzalan 14th Earl of Arundel (age 27) at the Battle of Gerberoy.

On 12 Jun 1435 John Fitzalan 14th Earl of Arundel was captured and died from wounds received at the battle. His son Humphrey Fitzalan 15th Earl of Arundel (age 6) succeeded 15th Earl Arundel Sussex, 5th Baron Maltravers, 5th Baron Arundel.

Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 30) fought.

Before 1437 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 32) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 21) were married. She the daughter of Peter Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol and Margherita Baux (age 42). She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

Around 1437 [his daughter] Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 32) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 22) at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map].

Around 1438 [his son] Lewis Woodville was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 33) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 23).

Around 1438 [his daughter] Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 33) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 23) at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map].

Around 1440 [his son] Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 35) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 25).

On 29 Nov 1441 [his father] Richard Woodville (age 56) died at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map].

Around 1445 [his daughter] Jacquetta Woodville Baroness Strange and Mohun was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 40) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 30).

Around 1445 [his son] John Woodville was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 40) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 30).

In 1447 [his son] Bishop Lionel Woodville was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 42) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 32) in Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map].

On 09 May 1448 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 43) was created 1st Baron Rivers by King Henry VI of England and II of France (age 26). [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 33) by marriage Baroness Rivers.

On 17 Jul 1448 [his mother] Joan Bittelsgate (age 58) died.

In 1450 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 45) was appointed 169th Knight of the Garter by King Henry VI of England and II of France (age 28).

On 27 Mar 1450 [his son-in-law] John Strange 8th Baron Strange Knockin 4th Baron Mohun Dunster (age 6) and [his daughter] Jacquetta Woodville Baroness Strange and Mohun (age 5) were married. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 45) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 35).

In 1452 [his daughter] Joan aka Eleanor Woodville was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 47) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 37).

In 1453 [his son] Richard Woodville 3rd Earl Rivers was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 48) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 38).

In 1454 [his daughter] Margaret Woodville Countess Arundel was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 49) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 39).

Around 1454 [his son-in-law] John Grey (age 22) and [his daughter] Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 17) were married. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 49) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 39). He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England.

Around 1456 [his son] Edward Woodville Lord Scales was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 51) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 41).

Around 1456 [his daughter] Mary Woodville Countess Pembroke and Huntingdon was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 51) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 41).

Around 1458 [his daughter] Catherine Woodville Duchess Buckingham Duchess Bedford was born to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 53) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 43).

In 1459 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 54) was appointed Warden of the Cinque Ports.

1460 January Raid on Sandwich

Patent Rolls Henry VI 1452-1461. 30 Oct 1459. Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire [Map]. Commission of array to Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers (age 54), knight, and the sheriff of Kent in Kent, to resist Richard, duke of York (age 48), [his future son-in-law] Edward Earl of March (age 17), Richard, Earl of Warwick (age 30), and Richard, Earl of Salisbury (age 59), and their accomplices, leagued in rebellion against the king and crown and allowed by certain persons having the keeping of the town and castle of Calais [Map] to enter the same contrary to the king's mandates, and now preparing to arouse congregations and insur rections in the said county; and appointment of the same to arrest all ships and other vessels late of the said Earl of Warwick and all the tackling thereof and to keep the same for the king's use. By K.

Patent Rolls Henry VI 1452-1461. 10 Dec 1459. Coventry, Warwickshire [Map]. Commission to Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers (age 54), knight, Thomas Broun, knight, and the mayor of Sandwich to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of the men at arms and archers ordered to go on the safe keeping of the sea in the company of Gervase Clyfton (age 54), knight, and to certify the king thereof in Chancery. By K.

Commission to Thomas Kyryell (age 63), knight, John Cheyne, knight, Thomas Broun, knight, John Seyncler, esquire, and Richard Dalafeld, esquire, to take near Sandwich, Kent [Map] the muster of the men at arms and archers ordered to go on the safe-keeping of the sea in the company of Richard Wydevyle of Ryvers, knight, as above. By K.

Chronicle of England by William of Worcester. [Jan 1460]. And shortly after the said feast, John Dynham (age 27), with others from Calais, secretly entered Sandwich [Map], and there captured Lord Rivers (age 55) and [his son] Anthony Woodville (age 20) his son, with many large ships, and brought them to Calais, where the Earls of [his future son-in-law] March (age 17), Warwick (age 31), and Salisbury (age 60) were present.

Et cito post dictum festum Johannes Denham cum aliis de Calesiæ secrete intravit Sandwycum, ac ibidem cepit dominum de Reverys et Antonium Widwele filium ejus, cum multis magnis navibus, et adduxit Calisiæ, comitibus Marchiæ et Warrewici et Sarum, Calisiæ existentibus.

On 15 Jan 1460 Yorkist forces commanded by John Dynham 1st Baron Dynham (age 27) and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 31) raided Sandwich, Kent [Map] capturing a number of Lancastrian ships. In addition, the Woodville family: Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 55), his wife [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 45) and their son [his son] Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 20) were captured.

Chronicle of Gregory 1459. 15 Jan 1460. But the Erle of Warwycke (age 31) come unto Sondewyche [Map], and there he toke the Lord Rivers (age 55) with his [his wife] ladye (age 45), the lady and Duchyes of Bedfordeb and brought them to Calys, for he was commaundyd to have londyd at C[a]lys by the King, but he was brought there sonner then him lekyd.

Note b. Jaquetta, widow of the Regent Bedford. She was the daughter of Peter of Luxemburg, Count of St. Pol, and soon after her first husband's death married Sir Richard Woodville, who was created Baron Rivers by Henry VI. in 1448, and Earl Rivers by Edward IV. (who was his son-in law) in 1466.

Battle of Towton

On 29 Mar 1461 the Battle of Towton was a decisive victory for [his future son-in-law] King Edward IV of England (age 18) bringing to an end the first war of the Wars of the Roses. Said to be the bloodiest battle on English soil 28000 were killed mainly during the rout that followed the battle.

The Yorkist army was commanded by King Edward IV of England with John Mowbray 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 45), William Neville 1st Earl Kent (age 56), William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings (age 30) (knighted), Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy (age 45), Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex (age 57), John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 23) and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock (age 61).

The Lancastrian army suffered significant casualties including Richard Percy (age 35), Ralph Bigod Lord Morley (age 50), John Bigod (age 28), Robert Cromwell (age 71), Ralph Eure (age 49), John Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby (age 51), John Beaumont (age 33), Thomas Dethick (age 61), Everard Simon Digby, William Plumpton (age 25) and William Welles (age 51) who were killed.

Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland (age 39) was killed. His son Henry Percy 4th Earl of Northumberland (age 12) succeeded 4th Earl of Northumberland, 7th Baron Percy of Alnwick, 15th Baron Percy of Topcliffe. Maud Herbert Countess Northumberland (age 3) by marriage Countess of Northumberland.

Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 49) was killed. He was buried at the nearby Saxton church where his chest tomb is extant. Baron Dacre Gilsland extinct.

Lionel Welles 6th Baron Welles (age 55) was killed. His son Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby (age 33) succeeded 7th Baron Welles.

The Lancastrian army was commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset (age 25), Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter (age 30), Henry Percy 3rd Earl of Northumberland and Andrew Trollope.

Henry Holland 3rd Duke Exeter was attainted after the battle; Duke Exeter, Earl Huntingdon forfeit.

Those who fought for the Lancaster included William Tailboys 7th Baron Kyme (age 46), John Dudley 1st Baron Dudley (age 60), William Norreys (age 20), Thomas Grey 1st Baron Grey of Richemont (age 43), Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns (age 30), John Talbot 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury (age 12), Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby, Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 56), James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde (age 40), John Butler 6th Earl Ormonde (age 39), William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont (age 22), Henry Roos and Thomas Tresham (age 41). Cardinal John Morton (age 41) were captured.

Chronicle of Gregory 1461. Ande the xxix [29] day of the same monythe of Marche, that was þe Palme Sunday, the [his future son-in-law] kyng (age 18) mette with the lordys of the Northe at Schyrborne. And there was on Harrys party that was King-

Prynce Edwarde (age 7), Kyng Harrys son.

The Duke of Exceter (age 30).

The Duke of Somersett (age 25).

The Erle of Northehumberlond (age 39).

The Erle of Devynschyre (age 29).

The lord Roos.

The lord Bemound (age 33).

The lord Clyfforde (deceased).

The lord Nevyle.

The lord Wellys (age 51).

The lord Wylby (age 40).

The lord Harry of Bokyngham.

The lord Rivers (age 56).

The lord Schalys.

The lord Maule (age 50).

The lord Ferys of Groby (age 23).

The lord Foschewe. [Possibly John Fortescue (age 67)]

The lord Lovelle (age 28).

Syr Thomas Hammys, captayne of alle the fote men.

Syr Androwe Thorlloppe.

Syr Thomas Tressam (age 41).

Syr Robert Whytyngham (age 32).

Syr John Dawne.

And the yonge Lord of Schrouysbury (age 12), and many moo othyr, bothe lordys, knyghtys, and squyers.

Here ben the namys of the lordys that were slayne in the felde in King Harrys (age 39) party.

The Erle of Northehumberlond,

The lord Clyfforde,

The lord Nevyle (age 51),

The lord Wellys,

The lord Maules,

And many moo then I can reherse; but whythe [t]es and othyr that were slayne in the fylde is a grete nombyr, by syde xlij [42] knyghtys that were slayne aftyr; the hoole nombyr is xxxv M1 [35000] of comeners. Jhesu be þou marcyfulle unto her soulys. Amen.

And the lordys before wretyn fledde, the substance in to Schotlond with the King Harry and Quene Margarete (age 31), and son the Prynce with hym, full of sorowe and hevynys, no wondyr. God knowythe, but every man deme the beste tylle the trought be tryde owte. For many a lady lost her beste be lovyd in that batayle.

Coronation of Edward IV

Warkworth's Chronicle 1461. 27 Jun 1461.... at the coronacyone1 of the forseyde Edwarde, he create and made dukes his two brythir, the eldere George (age 11) Duke of Clarence, and his yongere brothir Richard (age 8) Duke of Gloucetre; and the Lord Montagu (age 30)2, the Earl of Warwick (age 32)'s brothere, the Earl of Northumberlonde; and one William Stafford squiere, Lord Stafforde of Southwyke; and Sere Herbard (age 38), Lorde Herbard, and after Lorde Earl of Penbroke3; and so the seide Lorde Stafforde (age 22) was made Earl of Devynschire4; the Lorde Gray Ryffyne (age 44), Earl of Kent6; the Lorde Bourchyer (age 57), Earl of Essex; the Lorde Jhon of Bokyngham (age 33), the Earl of Wyltschyre5; Sere Thomas [Walter] Blount (age 45), knyghte, Lord Mont[joy]; Sere Jhon Hawarde, Lorde Hawarde (age 36)8; William Hastynges (age 30) he made Lorde Hastynges and grete Chamberlayne; and the Lorde Ryvers; Denham squyere, Lorde Dynham; and worthy as is afore schewed; and othere of gentylmen and yomenne he made knyghtes and squyres, as they hade desserved.

Note 1. At the coronacyone. King Edward was crowned in Westminster Abbey, on the 29th of June 1461. Warkworth's first passage is both imperfect and incorrect, and would form a very bad specimen of the value of the subsequent portions of his narrative; yet we find it transferred to the Chronicle of Stowe. It must, however, be regarded rather as a memorandum of the various creations to the peerage made during Edward's reign, than as a part of the chronicle. Not even the third peerage mentioned, the Earldom of Northumberland, was conferred at the Coronation, but by patent dated 27 May 1464: and the only two Earldoms bestowed in Edward's first year (and probably at the Coronation) were, the Earldom of Essex, conferred on Henry Viscount Bourchier, Earl of Eu in Normandy, who had married the King's aunt, the Princess Isabel of York; and the Earldom of Kent, conferred on William Neville, Lord Fauconberg, one of King Edward's generals at Towton. The former creation is mentioned by Warkworth lower down in his list; the latter is omitted altogether. - J.G.N.

Note 2. The Lord Montagu. And then Kyng Edward, concidering the greate feate doon by the said Lord Montagu, made hym Earl of Northumberlond; and in July next folowyng th'Earl of Warwyk, with th'ayde of the said Earl of Northumberland, gate agayn the castell of Bamborugh, wheryn was taken Sir Raaf Gray (age 29), which said Ser Raaf was after behedid and quartred at York. Also, in this yere, the first day of May, the Kyng wedded Dame [his daughter] Elizabeth Gray (age 24), late wif unto the [his former son-in-law] lord Gray of Groby, and doughter to the Lord Ryvers." - The London Chronicle, MS. Cotton. Vitell. A. xvi. fol. 126, ro. The MS. of the London Chronicle, from which Sir Harris Nicolas printed his edition, does not contain this passage. It is almost unnecessary to remark the chronological incorrectness of the above, but it serves to show how carelessly these slight Chronicles were compiled. Cf. MS. Add. Mus. Brit. 6113, fol. 192, rº. and MS. Cotton. Otho, B. XIV. fol. 221, ro.

Note 3. Lord Earl of Pembroke. William Lord Herbert of Chepstow, the first of the long line of Herbert Earls of Pembroke, was so created the 27th May 1468. His decapitation by the Duke of Clarence at Northampton in 1469, is noticed by Warkworth in p. 7.-J.G.N.

Note 4. Earl of Devynschire. Humphery Stafford, created Baron Stafford of Southwick by patent 24th April 1464, was advanced to the Earldom of Devon 7th May 1469; but beheaded by the commons at Bridgwater before the close of the same year, as related by Warkworth, ubi supra. - J.G.N.

Note 5. Earl of Wyltschyre. John Stafford, created Earl of Wiltshire, 5th Jan. 1470; he died in 1473.—J.G.N.

Note 6. "The Lorde Gray Ryffyne, Earl of Kent". The Earl of Kent, of the family of Neville, died without male issue, a few months after his elevation to that dignity; and it was conferred on the 30th May 1465, on Edmund Lord Grey de Ruthyn, on occasion of the Queen's coronation. He was cousin-german to Sir John Grey, of Groby, the Queen's first husband. On the same occasion the Queen's son Sir [his grandson] Thomas Grey (age 6) was created Marquess of Dorset; her father Richard Wydevile (age 56) lord Ryvers was advanced to the dignity of Earl Ryvers; and her brother [his son] Anthony (age 21) married to the heiress of Scales, in whose right he was summoned to Parliament as a Baron. - J.G.N.

Note 7. Sere Thomas Blount. This should be Walter, created Lord Montjoy 20th June 1465; he died in 1474.-J.G.N.

Note 8. Sere Jhon Hawarde, Lord Hawarde. John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk. This peerage dates its origin, by writ of summons to Parliament, during the short restoration of Henry VI. in 1470, a circumstance more remarkable as "evidence exists that he did not attach himself to the interest of that Prince, being constitued by Edward, in the same year, commander of his fleet." See Sir Harris Nicolas's memoir of this distinguished person (afterwards the first Duke of Norfolk) in Cartwright's History of the Rape of Bramber, p. 189.-J.G.N.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1461. 12 Dec 1461. Westminster Palace [Map]. Grant for life to Richard Wydevill (age 56), lord of Ryvers, of the office of chief rider of the king's forest of Saucy. co Northampton, with all trees and profits, viz dry trees, dead trees, blown down, old hedges or copice-hedges, boughs fallen without date, cahettels, waifs, strays, pannage of swine, 'derefall wode', 'draenes' brushwood and brambles, prerquisites of courts, swainmote and other issues within the forest, from the time when he had he same by letters patent of Henry VI.

After 14 May 1462 [his brother-in-law] Louis Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol (age 44) and Maria Savoy (age 14) were married. The difference in their ages was 30 years. She the daughter of Louis Savoy I Count Savoy (age 49) and Anne Cyprus Countess Savoy (age 43). He the son of Peter Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol and [his mother-in-law] Margherita Baux (age 68). He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

Marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville

Chronicle of Gregory 1464. 01 May 1464. That same year, the first day of May before said or written, our sovereign lord the [his son-in-law] King, Edward the iiij (age 22), was wedded to the Lord Rivers (age 59) daughter; her name is [his daughter] Dame Elizabeth (age 27), that was wife unto [his former son-in-law] Syr John Grey, son and heir unto the Lady Ferrers of Groby (age 45). And this marriage was kept full secretly long and many a day, that no man knew it; but men marvelled that our sovereign lord was so long without any wife, and were ever feared that he had be not chaste of his living.

On 01 May 1464 [his son-in-law] King Edward IV of England (age 22) and [his daughter] Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 27) were married at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map]. [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49), Elizabeth's mother, being the only witness. The date not certain. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 59) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford. He the son of Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York and Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York (age 48). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

After 01 May 1464 [his son] Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 24) and [his daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Scales Countess Rivers were married. He by marriage Baron Scales. See Woodville Marriages. He the son of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 59) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 49). She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

Around 1465 Alice Haute (age 18) was appointed Lady in Waiting to her first cousin [his daughter] Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England (age 28). Alice's mother [his sister] Joan Woodville was sister to Elizabeth's father Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 60).

Marriage of John Woodville and Catherine Neville

In Jan 1465 [his son] John Woodville (age 20) and [his daughter-in-law] Katherine Neville Duchess Norfolk (age 65) were married. Described as a 'Diabolical Marriage' by opponents of the Woodvilles. He being nineteen, she sixty-five. His first wife, her fourth husband. Regarded as an example of the Woodville family increasing their wealth and power. See Woodville Marriages The difference in their ages was 45 years; she, unusually, being older than him. She the daughter of Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland and Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland. He the son of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 60) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 50). She a great granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

In 1466 [his son-in-law] Henry Stafford 2nd Duke of Buckingham (age 11) and [his daughter] Catherine Woodville Duchess Buckingham Duchess Bedford (age 8) were married. She by marriage Duchess of Buckingham. See Woodville Marriages. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 61) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 51). He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 17 Feb 1466 [his son-in-law] Thomas Fitzalan 17th Earl of Arundel (age 16) and [his daughter] Margaret Woodville Countess Arundel (age 12) were married. See Woodville Marriages. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 61) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 51). He the son of William Fitzalan 16th Earl of Arundel (age 48) and Joan Neville Countess Arundel. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Before Mar 1466 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 61) was created 1st Earl Rivers by [his son-in-law] King Edward IV of England (age 23).

In Mar 1466 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 61) was appointed Lord Treasurer.

On 01 Sep 1466 a double wedding ceremony was held whereby two siblings, children of William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke (age 43) married:

[his son-in-law] William Herbert 2nd Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Huntingdon (age 15) and [his daughter] Mary Woodville Countess Pembroke and Huntingdon (age 10) were married. See Woodville Marriages. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 61) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 51). He the son of William "Black William" Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke and Anne Devereux (age 36).

Thomas Talbot 2nd Viscount Lisle (age 17) and Margaret Herbert Viscountess Lisle were married. She the daughter of William "Black William" Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke and Anne Devereux. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward I of England.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1466. 24 Sep 1466. Licence for the king's sister Anne, duchess of Exeter (age 27), to grant the manors of Rachfonl, Lye, Pakeleshnm and Folncsse, co. Essex, Ardyngton, co. Berks, Barford St. Martin, co. Wilts, and Thorpwatcrvyle, Aldwynkle, Achirch, Chelveston and Cnldeote, co. Northampton, with all other lands, rents, reversions and services of her tenants iu the towns and manors aforesaid, held in chief, to the king's kinsman Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury (age 48), Robert, Bishop of  Bath and Wells (age 46), John, duke of Norfolk (age 41), John, duke of Suffolk (age 23), William, Earl of Arundel (age 48), Henry, Earl of Essex (age 62), Richard, earl Ryvers (age 61), [his son] Antony Widevill, lord of Scales and Newselles (age 26), John Say, knight, Thomas Colt, Thomas Decoue and Robert Isham, esquires, and their heirs and assigns. By K.

Grant to the said archbishop and others and their heirs and assigns of all the king's-estate and title in the manors of Wodham Ferreres and other lands in the same town, co. Essex, and the manors of Newebotell and Brynton and the advowson of the church there and other lands in the same town, co. Northampton, which the king holds in the title and possession of his consort Elizabeth, Queen of England, with advowsons, knights' fees, rents and services. By K.

In 1467 Thomas Cooke was charged with high treason for lending money to Margaret (age 36), the queen of the deposed Lancastrian King Henry VI (age 45), on the strength of a confession of a statement obtained under torture from one Hawkins. Chief Justice Markham directed the jury to find it only misprision of treason, whereby Cooke's lands and life were saved, though he was heavily fined and long imprisoned. While awaiting his trial in the Tower his effects, both at his town house and at Gidea Hall [Map], were seized by Lord Rivers (age 62), then treasurer of England, and his wife was committed to the custody of the mayor. On his acquittal he was sent to the Bread Street compter [Map], and afterwards to the king's bench [Map], and was kept there until he paid eight thousand pounds to the [his son-in-law] king (age 24) and eight hundred pounds to the [his daughter] queen (age 30). Lord Rivers and his [his wife] wife (age 52), the Duchess of Bedford, also obtained the dismissal of Markham from his office for having determined that Cooke was not guilty of treason.

On or before 15 Aug 1467 [his son-in-law] William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier (age 37) and [his daughter] Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier (age 29) were married. An example of a Woodville marriage to a wealthy family which antagonised the nobilty - see Woodville Marriages. William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier was heir to his father Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex (age 63). She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 62) and [his wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 52). He the son of Henry Bourchier 2nd Count of Eu 1st Earl Essex and Isabel York Countess Eu and Essex (age 58). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 24 Aug 1467 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 62) was appointed Constable of England.

Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury

On 26 Jul 1469 the Yorkist army suffered a defeat against a Lancastrian army led by Robin of Redesdale at the Battle of Edgecote Moor aka Danes Moor aka Banbury. The Yorkist army was commanded by Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon (age 30) and William "Black William" Herbert 1st Earl Pembroke (age 46).

Thomas Vaughan (age 69), John Wogan, Henry Neville (age 32), John Conyers (age 36), and brothers John Dudley (age 42) and Oliver Dudley were killed.

Humphrey Stafford 1st Earl Devon, John Conyers (age 58) and William Parr (age 35) fought.

Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 64) and [his son] John Woodville (age 24) were captured.

There is some uncertainty about the date with some sources suggesting the 24 Jul 1469, the eve of St James' Feast day, as being the correct date.

Execution of the Woodvilles

Hall's Chronicle 1469. 12 Aug 1469. The Northamptonshire men, with diverse of the Northern men by them procured, in this fury made them a captain, and called him Robin of Redesdale, and suddenly came to the manor of Grafton [Map], where the earl Rivers (age 64) father to the [his daughter] Queen (age 32) then lay whom they loved not, and there by force took the said earl and and sir [his son] John (age 24) his son, and brought them to Northampton [Map], and there without Judgement stroke of their heads, whose bodies were solemnly interred in the Blackfriars at Northampton.

On 12 Aug 1469 Woodvilles father and son were beheaded at Kenilworth Castle [Map] by supporters of Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury (age 40).

Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 64) was beheaded. His son [his son] Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers (age 29) succeeded 2nd Earl Rivers, 2nd Baron Rivers. [his daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Scales Countess Rivers by marriage Countess Rivers.

[his son] John Woodville (age 24) was beheaded.

Warkworth's Chronicle 1469. 12 Aug 1469And at that tyme was the Lorde Ryvers (age 64) takene, and one of his [his son] sonnes (age 24), in the forest of Dene, and brought to Northamtone, and the Earl of Penbroke (deceased) a[nd] Sere Richard Herbarde (deceased) his brother were behedede at Northamtone, alle iiij, by the commawndement of the Duke of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick (age 40), and Thomas Harbarde was slayne at Brystow, &c.

Note 1. "Hic W. Harberde, gravissimus et oppressor et spoliator ecclesiasticorum et aliorum multorum per annos multos, hunc tandem, justo Dei judicio pro suis sceleribus et nequiciis, receepit.mercedem. Die Sabbati proximo ante assumpcionem beatissime semper Virginis Marie, captus est Dominus de Rywaus, cum domino Johanne filio suo, et, juxta castrum de Kelingworthe, pariter decollati sunt [Here W. Herbert, the most grievous oppressor and plunderer of the Church and many others for many years, finally received the just reward for his crimes and wickedness by the judgment of God. On the Saturday next before the assumption of the most blessed Virgin Mary, the Lord Rivers was captured, along with his son John, and they were both beheaded near the castle of Kelingworth]." - MS. Arundel, Coll. Arm. fol. 171 rº.

A Brief Latin Chronicle. On 12 Aug 1469. On the Saturday before the Assumption of the most blessed Virgin Mary, Lord de Rywans (age 64) along with [his son] Lord John (age 24), his son, were captured, and they were executed together near the castle of Kenilworth [Map].

Die Sabbati proximo ante Assumptionem beatissime semper Virginis Marie captus est Dominus de Rywans cum domino Johanne filio suo, et juxta castrum de Kelingworth pariter docollati sunt.

After 12 Aug 1469 Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 64) head was displayed at Coventry, Warwickshire [Map].

Death of Jacquetta of Luxembourg

On 30 May 1472 [his former wife] Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 57) died. Not known where she was buried.

The History of King Richard the Third by Thomas More. Of these two, the one had a sermon in praise of the Protector before the coronation, the other after; both so full of tedious flattery that no man's ears could abide them. Penker in his sermon so lost his voice that he was glad to leave off and come down in the midst. Doctor Shaa by his sermon lost his honesty and soon after his life, for very shame of the world, into which he dared never after come abroad. But the friar cared not for shame, and so it harmed him the less. However, some doubt and many think that Penker was not of counsel of the matter before the coronation, but after the common manner fell to flattery afterwards; namely, because his sermon was not immediately after it, but at Saint Mary's Hospital on the Easter after. But certain is it that Doctor Shaa was of counsel in the beginning so far forth that they determined he should first break the matter in a sermon at Paul's Cross, in which he should, by the authority of his preaching, incline the people to the Protector's ghostly purpose.

But now was all the labor and study in the device of some appropriate pretext for which the people should be content to depose the Prince and accept the Protector for king, for which diverse things they devised. But the chief thing, and the most weighty of all that invention, rested in this: they should allege bastardy, either in King Edward himself, or in his children, or both, so that he should seem unable to inherit the crown by the Duke of York, and the Prince by him. To lay bastardy in King Edward sounded openly to the rebuke of the Protector's own mother, who was mother to them both; for in that point could be none other color, but to pretend that his own mother was one adulteress, which, not withstanding, to further his purpose he omitted not; but nevertheless, he would the point should be less and more favorably handled, not even fully plain and directly, but that the matter should be touched upon, craftily, as though men spared, in that point, to speak all the truth for fear of his displeasure. But the other point, concerning the bastardy that they devised to surmise in King Edward's children, that would he be openly declared and enforced to the uttermost. The color and pretext whereof cannot be well perceived but if we first repeat to you some things long before done about King Edward's marriage.

After King Edward the Fourth had deposed King Henry the Sixth and was in peaceful possession of the realm, determining himself to marry, as it was requisite both for himself and for the realm, he sent over in embassy the Earl of Warwick with other noble men in his company unto Spain to entreat and conclude a marriage between King Edward and the king's daughter of Spain. In which thing the Earl of Warwick found the parties so toward and willing that he speedily, according to his instructions, without any difficulty brought the matter to a very good conclusion.

Now it happened in the meanwhile that there came to make a suit by petition to the King, [his daughter] Dame Elizabeth Gray, who was after his Queen, at that time a widow born of noble blood, specially by her mother, who was Duchess of Bedford before she married the Lord Woodville, Elizabeth's father. However, this Dame Elizabeth, herself being in service with Queen Margaret, wife unto King Henry the Sixth, was married unto one John Gray, a squire, whom King Henry made knight upon the battlefield where he had fought on Shrove Tuesday at Saint Albans against King Edward. And little while enjoyed he that knighthood, for he was at the same field slain. After he had died, and the Earl of Warwick being in his embassy about the before mentioned marriage, this poor lady made humble suit unto the King that she might be restored unto such small lands as her late husband had given her during their marriage. Whom when the King beheld and heard her speak, as she was both fair, of a good favor, moderate of stature, well made and very wise, he not only pitied her, but also grew enamored with her. And taking her afterward secretly aside, began to enter into talking more familiarly. Whose appetite, when she perceived it, she virtuously denied him. But that did she so wisely, and with so good manner, and words so well set, that she rather kindled his desire than quenched it. And finally after many a meeting, much wooing, and many great promises, she well spied the King's affection toward her so greatly increased that she dared somewhat the more boldly say her mind, as to him whose heart she perceived more firmly set than to fall off for a word. And in conclusion she showed him plain that as she knew herself too simple to be his wife, so thought she herself too good to be his concubine. The King, much marveling at her constancy, as he that had not been wont elsewhere to be so stiffly told nay, so much esteemed her continence and chastity that he set her virtue in the place of possession and riches. And thus taking counsel of his desire, determined in all possible haste to marry her. And after he was thus resolved, and there had between them an agreement been assured, then asked he counsel of his other friends, and in such manner, as they might easily perceive it remedied not greatly to say nay.

Archaeologia Volume 29 Section X. The following account of Edward's marriage is taken from MS. Lansd. 210. The date of this occurrence is unfortunately not known, nor have I been able to supply the deficiency:—

In thys same yer kyng Edward sent hys trusty frende, the Erle of Warwyk, and other imbasseturs into France to conclowde a maryage for hym with the lady Bona, that was syster to the French quene, a lady of excelent bewté, wech he concludyd in the kynges name, the wech besenys afterward dyd cawse cevylle war and moch meschef; for Kyng Edward had changyd hys mende, or the Erle cam whom agayn, and was maryed to the lady [his daughter] Elsabyth Gray, dawter to Rycharde Lord Revers, woch was maryd befor to Ser John Gray, knight, by whom she had ij. cheldren, [his grandson] Thomas and [his grandson] Richard."

It will be recollected that Queen Margaret visited France to obtain succour for King Henry. The following very curious narrative, which is taken from MS. Lambeth, 448, throws great light on the way Edward was made acquainted with her designs:—

Blyssyt be God! diverse of owre adversaryes be owrethrowyn, and we undyrstond the prevyte and fals ymaginacions of the French party. Also ther is oon callyt John Worby, of Mortlond, a spye, in the county of Herteford, servaunt to Sere John Russel, in the county of Wyscetre, takyn be the Lord Suthwell, and the seid a spye ther takyn, hath confessyt that Kyng Herry, late Kyng of England, in dede but not in ryth, and sche that was Queyn Margarete hys wyf, and Edward hyr son, the duk of Brytayn, Edward the Duk of Burgoyn, Syr Wylliam Taylbos, the Lord Roos, Sir Richard Tunstall, Thomas Ormond, Sir W. Catisby, Thomas Fytze Harry—thes lordes and knytes be in Scotlond with the Scottes. The Duk of Excetre, Erl of Penbrok, the Baron of Burford, John Ayne—thes schal lond at Bumeryes be the appoyment of Robert Gald, Captene of the Duk of Burgoyne. Duk Herry of Calabere, the Lord Hungyrford, the Lord Mortone, the Duk of Somersete, with lx. m1. men of Spayn, thes schal londyn in the coost of Norfolk and Suffolk. The Lord Lewys, the Duk of Spayne, Herry the Dolfyn of Franch, Ser John Fosbrew, Ser John Russel of Wycetre, Ser Thomas Burtayn, the erlys brothere of Denschyre, Ser Thomas Cornwaylys; thes lordes and knytes schal londyn at Sanewych by the appoyment. Than comyng after thes lordes and knytes byfore wryten to assiste them with al the powre possibille they may make; the Kyng of Fraunce with a c. m'; the Kyng of Denmarke with xx. m1; the Kyng of Aragon 1. m'; the Kyng of Slavern with xx. M!; the Kyng of Cesyl with xxv. m'; the Kyng of Portyngale with x. m'; the whych be appoyntyt to enter the reme of Inglond.

Royal Descendants of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers 1405-1469

Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom

Queen Consort Camilla Shand

Diana Spencer Princess Wales

Ancestors of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers 1405-1469

GrandFather: John Woodville

Father: Richard Woodville

Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers

GrandFather: Thomas Bittelsgate

Mother: Joan Bittelsgate

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert V Beauchamp

Great x 3 Grandfather: Humphrey Beauchamp

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Mohun

Great x 2 Grandfather: Hugh Beauchamp

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Beauchamp

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Lisle

Great x 2 Grandmother: Idonea Lisle

GrandMother: Joan Beauchamp