Ludlow History Festival

Richard Duke of York and Cecily Neville - Ludlow’s Ultimate Power Couple

28 August 2026, 2pm. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Castle St, Ludlow SY8 1AZ

I’m delighted to partner with historian Matt Lewis in Ludlow, the 15th-century home of one of medieval England’s most powerful partnerships. Richard and Cecily led the house of York during the Wars of the Roses, ultimately overthrowing the Lancastrian regime. Two of their sons became kings of England – Edward IV and Richard III – and their bloodline has flowed through the royal succession ever since. But who were Cecily and Richard? What were they like? What made their partnership so powerful? And why was Ludlow their most prestigious power base?

In case you don’t know Matt, he’s one of the country’s most eminent authorities on the Wars of the Roses, and has written seminal biographies of Richard Duke of York and his son, Richard III. He also hosts the Echoes of History podcast, co-hosts the Gone Medieval podcast, and presents documentaries for History Hit, as well as appearing as a contributor in documentaries on the medieval period.

Be prepared for a free-flowing debate - and come armed with your question!

Get full details and book your place here

See the full programme here