Early Life and Rise to Power
2 October 1452 – Birth of Richard Plantagenet
Richard was born at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire. He was the eleventh child of Richard, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. As a younger son, he was not expected to ascend the throne.
1460 – Death of Richard’s father at the Battle of Wakefield
Richard’s father, the Duke of York, was killed fighting the Lancastrians. This event intensified the dynastic struggle that became known as the Wars of the Roses.
1461 – Edward IV (Richard’s older brother) seizes the throne
Edward overthrew Henry VI and became King Edward IV. Richard, aged 9, became a key member of the royal family under a Yorkist regime.
1465–1468 – Richard raised in the household of the Earl of Warwick
Known as “the Kingmaker,” Warwick tutored the young Richard in administration and warfare, contributing to his military prowess and political acumen. shutdown123