Today in 1485 Anne Neville died. She was Richard III’s wife, and Queen Consort under his reign.
She had been ill throughout his reign, and only got worse after the death of their son, Edward, in 1484. She was the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, nicknamed The Kingmaker, and she had married the Lancastrian Edward, son of Henry VI, but he died at the Battle of Tewksbury. She married Richard, Duke of Gloucester, before 1473, and then became Queen when Richard usurped the throne.
Rumors had dogged her during the end of her life, and they would continue after death as the King’s enemies said that he poisoned her so that he could be free to marry Elizabeth of York, his niece. On March 30 Richard made a public statement denying that he had any intention of marrying his niece.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th-century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.
Suggested links:
This episode isn’t on Anne Neville, but Lady Margaret Beaufort, who carried Anne’s train during her coronation
Amy License Anne Neville book with Amazon Associates Link
The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory Associates Link
Want some Tudor book recommendations? Check out this list!
Or do you have a book you would like to recommend? Submit it here!