Cecily Neville Mother of Kings: The Last Plantagenet Matriarch

When discussing the influential women of medieval times, one cannot overlook Cecily Neville, also known as Cecily of York. Born in 1415, this remarkable lady would become the mother of two of England's most notorious monarchs: Edward IV and Richard III. Her life, marked by political intrigue, marriage alliances, and the struggle for power, is a captivating tale that deserves our attention.

Early Life and Background

Cecily Neville was born into the prestigious Neville family, known for their allegiance to the House of York. Her father, Ralph Neville, held the title of the Earl of Westmorland, making Cecily part of the aristocracy from the moment of her birth. Her mother, Joan Beaufort, came from the powerful Beaufort family, who were descendants of Edward III and had close ties to the Lancastrian monarchy.

Cecily Neville: Mother of Kings

by Amy Licence (Kindle Edition)

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Marriage and Ascendancy

Cecily's marriage to Richard, Duke of York, was more than just a love match. It was a strategic alliance formed to further Richard's claim to the English throne. Together, they would have twelve children, with Cecily's strong genes influencing the physical features of this new dynasty.

Motherhood and Influence

Even though Cecily bore many children, it was her sons, Edward and Richard, who would shape the course of history. Edward IV, Cecily's firstborn, would go on to become one of the most powerful kings of England. Cecily's shrewdness and ability to navigate political waters provided invaluable support to her sons during the Wars of the Roses, a tumultuous period of dynastic conflict.

Cecily's Legacy

As Cecily grew older, she witnessed both the triumphs and tragedies that befell her family. Her youngest son, Richard III, became king, but his reign was short-lived and overshadowed by controversy, largely influenced by the Tudor propaganda that would depict him as a villainous figure. Cecily endured the loss of many of her loved ones, including her husband, sons, and grandchildren, but her strength and resilience remained unbroken.

The life of Cecily Neville, Mother of Kings, was one of nobility, ambition, and sacrifice. Her unconditional love and unwavering support for her sons during a time of political turmoil solidified her place in history. As the last Plantagenet matriarch, Cecily's impact on England's royal bloodline cannot be underestimated. Her legacy continues to fascinate and inspire, making her a remarkable figure worth celebrating.

Cecily Neville: Mother of Kings

by Amy Licence (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5628 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

FREE

Known to be proud, regal and beautiful, Cecily Neville was born in the year of the great English victory at Agincourt and survived long enough to witness the arrival of the future Henry VIII, her great-grandson. Her life spanned most of the fifteenth century. Cecily s marriage to Richard, Duke of York, was successful, even happy, and she travelled with him wherever his career dictated, bearing his children in England, Ireland and France, including the future Edward IV and Richard III. What was the substance behind her claim to be queen by right ? Would she indeed have made a good queen during these turbulent times? One of a huge family herself, Cecily would see two of her sons become kings of England but the struggles that tore apart the Houses of Lancaster and York also turned brother against brother. Cecily s life cannot have been easy. Images of her dripping in jewels and holding her own alternative court might belie the terrible heartache of seeing her descendants destroy each other. In attempting to be the family peacemaker, she frequently had to make heart-wrenching choices, yet these did not destroy her. She battled on, outliving her husband, friends, rivals and most of her children, to become one of the era s great survivors.