How did Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, influence Richard III’s early life?

Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick—often known as "the Kingmaker"—influenced the early life of the future Richard III primarily by serving as his guardian. Around 1465, Richard was placed in the household of his cousin, the Earl of Warwick, and was recorded residing with him at Warwick and York.1

This placement occurred after Richard’s brother, Edward IV, had ascended to the throne and established Richard as a royal prince. While this period provided Richard with experience among the nobility, it was not explicitly intended as training for kingship, as he was not expected to ascend to the throne at that time.1

Later, Richard III’s connection to the Earl of Warwick became a significant factor in his adult life and power base. After the death of the Earl of Warwick, Richard III married his youngest daughter, Anne Neville. Through this marriage, Richard secured a substantial portion of the immense Neville family inheritances, which were located primarily in the north of England and Wales. These lands became the foundation of his political and military power before he eventually became king.1