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Overview:

Years ruled (as Protector): 1454 - 1455 & 1455 - 1456 Son of: Richard of Conisburgh, earl of Cambridge, and Anne Mortimor Married to: Cecily Neville (1424) Children: Edward IV, King of England, Richard III, King of England

Biography:

The father of two kings (Edward IV and Richard III), Richard, duke of York, spent the later part of his life attempting to acquire the throne for his family. He served for Henry VI as both Lieutenant of France and Lieutenant of Ireland. In 1450 he returned to England to oppose the duke of Somerset, one of Henry's closest advisors, for his ruinous policies which led to the loss of almost of all the French possessions. Over the next five years he clashed with the royal establishment over this and other issues. Finally, in 1455 fighting erupted at the battle of First St. Albans where Richard defeated the Lancastrian forces. During Henry's fits of mental illness, Richard served as Protector. However, he died in 1460 at the battle of Wakefield.

Principal Battles:	First St. Albans (1455 )

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