Book Description

Described as 'greedy and grasping, and raised from nothing', the Woodviles have had a bad press. 'Brought Up of Nought' investigates the family origins, explains the rise and fall of the senior branch, and how the junior branch rose to the highest levels of court society after struggling to establish itself in Northamptonshire. The family originally rose to the status of 'baron', but lost land over time as it descended to the gentry; however, the medieval wheel of fortune was to turn dramatically in favour of the junior branch in Northamptonshire. Early in the 15th century, Richard, the son of Richard Woodvile Esq., was placed in the service of John Duke of Bedford at his court in Rouen, which resulted in his secret marriage to the duke's young widow Jacquetta. In 1464, their daughter Elizabeth made an extraordinary marriage to Edward IV, which attracted great criticism, resulting in a period of slander that continues to this day. This book argues that the Woodvile's blackened reputation was the result of a campaign by Richard, Earl of Warwick who was jealous and eager to retrieve his position as 'kingmaker'.