The Last Knight Errant ─ Sir Edward Woodville and the Age of Chivalry

Sir Edward Woodville was the medieval knight par excellence—except that his life coincided with the beginning of the Renaissance. With this vivid and long-awaited biography, Christopher Wilkins demonstrates how Sir Edward carved out an important role for himself in the 15th century, marrying the old-fashioned values of a chivalric age with the modernising trends that were dramatically re-shaping Europe. Far from an anachronism, The Last Knight Errant reveals how this quintessentially medieval figure, riding from battle to battle across Europe, was also profoundly engaged in the events that built the post-medieval states of England, Spain and France. The Last Knight Errant is the first full biography of this pivotal figure in English history for over a century and reveals him to have been a true hero whose significance in the politics of the period is often overlooked. Drawing on original research throughout Europe, Christopher Wilkins draws out Sir Edward Woodville’s fascinating life and unusual character in the context of his remarkable family, who have been traditionally cast as among the most unpopular in English history. The Last Knight Errant restores Sir Edward Woodville to his rightful place at the heart of power in 15th-century England and represents him as a true hero whose reputation suffered at the hands of that genius of propaganda, Richard III.

Christopher Wilkins saw active service in Aden, the Radfan and Oman. He attended the School of Military Intelligence and read for the Bar before joining The Sunday Times. He subsequently built up a successful business and was a member of the Scottish Economic Council for ten years. He lives in London and the Scottish Borders.