Politics and Patrimony During the Wars of the Roses: The Probable Sheriff’s Seal of Sir John Neville of Liversedge

Abstract

Based on a seal matrix discovered in East Yorkshire in the 1990s, the article identifies the probable owner as Sir John Neville of Liversedge in the West Riding, twice sheriff of Yorkshire in the fifteenth century. Neville rose to prominence under Richard III as part of his Yorkshire following, rising to be a knight of the body and trusted county administrator who fought with Richard at Bosworth. However, he quickly realigned himself under Henry VII and continued his path of royal service, a man who loyally served two opposing monarchs. The article also examines the foundations of Neville’s economic power and how he used his positions to build a successful future for his family.

Keywords:

• Sir John Neville
• Liversedge
• Richard III
• West Riding
• Sheriff
• Knight of the Body
• Bosworth
• Henry VII

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Marcombe

David Marcombe was Lecturer and Associate Professor at the Universities of Durham and Nottingham. Latterly (1980–2010) he was Director of the Centre for Local History at Nottingham, leading an extensive programme of teaching, research and publication. His research interests are in the area of the English Reformation. Publications include English Small Town Life: Retford, 1520–1642 (1993) and Leper Knights: the order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem in England, 1150–1544 (2003). Currently he is a trustee of the Spital Chantry Trust of St Edmund, working to conserve a significant heritage asset in Lincolnshire.

Correspondence to: Dr D. Marcombe, 72 Millgate, Newark, Notts NG24 4TY, UK. E-mail [email protected]