10 Unsung Heroes Of History

Wielding a nickname fitting of a Game of Thrones character, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, is known in history as the 'Kingmaker' for his uncanny ability to influence who would later sit on the English throne.

Neville was instrumental in the unfolding Wars of the Roses. Though he never held the crown himself, his political connections saw him not only aid Edward IV's efforts to become king, but also restore Henry VI to the throne after Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville caught his distaste.

The Wars of the Roses are a clumsy mess of battles reaching all corners of English shores, but the result of the conflict had a huge impact on who would come to govern the nation in the later centuries.

English history is simply not the same without Neville's immense input, as the knock-on effect that occurred as a result of his aspirations was instrumental in ushering in the Tudor era, a period of history that saw England at its most influential.

Richard Neville's political persuasions are proof that power does not always come with the crown. If that isn't fitting of a Game of Thrones-esque nickname, I don't know what is.