# Cecily Neville, Duchess of York

> English noblewoman (1415–1495)

**Wikidata**: [Q238004](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q238004)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecily_Neville,_Duchess_of_York)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cecily-neville-duchess-of-york

## Summary
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York (1415–1495), was an English noblewoman and a prominent figure in the political and dynastic struggles of 15th-century England. Known as "The Rose of Raby" and "Proud Cis," she was the wife of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and the mother of two English kings, Edward IV and Richard III, making her a central matriarch in the Wars of the Roses.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 3, 1415
- **Nationality**: English (Kingdom of England)
- **Known for**: Being the mother of two Kings of England (Edward IV and Richard III) and a key figure in the Wars of the Roses
- **Occupation**: Aristocrat, noblewoman
- **Aliases**: Cecily Neville, Cecylle Neville, Cecylle Neville, Duchess of York, The Rose of Raby, Proud Cis
- **Citizenship**: Kingdom of England
- **Instance of**: Human, aristocrat

## Contributions
Cecily Neville's primary contributions were dynastic and political. As the wife of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, she played a crucial role in the Yorkist claim to the English throne during the Wars of the Roses. Her sons, Edward IV and Richard III, both became kings of England, securing the Yorkist line. Cecily was also known for her piety and later in life, she became a nun, reflecting her deep religious devotion.

## FAQs
**Who was Cecily Neville, Duchess of York?**
Cecily Neville was an English noblewoman and the wife of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York. She was the mother of two English kings, Edward IV and Richard III, and played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses.

**When and where was Cecily Neville born?**
Cecily Neville was born on May 3, 1415.

**What were Cecily Neville's aliases?**
Cecily Neville was also known as Cecylle Neville, Cecylle Neville, Duchess of York, The Rose of Raby, and Proud Cis.

**What was Cecily Neville's role in the Wars of the Roses?**
Cecily Neville was a key figure in the Wars of the Roses due to her marriage to Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and her sons' claims to the English throne. Her sons, Edward IV and Richard III, both became kings of England, securing the Yorkist line.

**What was Cecily Neville's occupation?**
Cecily Neville was an aristocrat and noblewoman. Later in life, she became a nun.

**What was Cecily Neville's nationality?**
Cecily Neville was English, a citizen of the Kingdom of England.

## Why They Matter
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, was a pivotal figure in English history due to her role in the Wars of the Roses and her influence on the English monarchy. As the mother of two kings, she helped secure the Yorkist claim to the throne, shaping the political landscape of 15th-century England. Her piety and later life as a nun also highlight her personal devotion and the religious influences of the time.

## Notable For
- Being the mother of two Kings of England: Edward IV and Richard III
- Playing a central role in the Wars of the Roses
- Being known as "The Rose of Raby" and "Proud Cis"
- Becoming a nun later in life
- Being a key figure in the Yorkist claim to the English throne

## Body
### Early Life
Cecily Neville was born on May 3, 1415, into the powerful Neville family, one of the most influential noble families in England. Her father was Ralph Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland, and her mother was Joan Beaufort, Countess of Westmorland. Cecily's upbringing in a noble household prepared her for a life of political and social significance.

### Marriage and Family
Cecily Neville married Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, in 1429. This marriage was strategically important, as it allied two powerful noble families and strengthened the Yorkist claim to the English throne. Together, they had thirteen children, including Edward IV and Richard III, who both became kings of England. Cecily's role as a mother and matriarch was crucial in securing the Yorkist dynasty.

### Political Influence
Cecily Neville played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought between the House of York and the House of Lancaster for control of the English throne. Her husband, Richard Plantagenet, was a leading figure in the Yorkist cause, and Cecily's support was instrumental in advancing their claims. After her husband's death, Cecily continued to influence the political landscape through her sons, particularly Edward IV.

### Later Life and Legacy
In her later years, Cecily Neville became a nun, reflecting her deep religious devotion. She died on May 31, 1495, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential noblewomen in English history. Her descendants included several English monarchs, and her role in the Wars of the Roses and the establishment of the Yorkist dynasty has been widely recognized.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Cecily Neville's life and influence have been the subject of numerous historical accounts and literary works. She is often remembered as "The Rose of Raby," a nickname that reflects her beauty and the prominence of her family. Her story is a testament to the power and influence of noblewomen in medieval England, and her legacy continues to be studied and celebrated today.

## References

1. Source
2. The Peerage
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Sejm-Wielki.pl