Richard lived during the time of civil war in England, and was involved in the early battles of the War of the Roses. He fought in the First Battle of St. Albans on 22 May 1455, where York defeated his rival, Somerset, and the King was taken prisoner. He held the office of Constable of Cararthen and Aberystwyth Castles, and of Careg Cennen Castle between 2 June 1455 and April 1457. He held the office of Protector of the Realm between 19 November 1455 and 25 February 1456. On 20 November 1459 he was attainted, and all his honors and titles were declared forfeit. In September 1460 the attainder of the Coventry Parliament of 1459 was annulled, and so he was restored to his titles and estates. He claimed the right to the crown of England, however, this claim was not well recevied, and he had to be satisfied with a compromise, where he as declared heir after the demise of king Henry VI, with remainder to his own heirs. He was created Duke of Cornwall on 31 October 1460. He was created Prince Richard of Wales on 31 October 1460. On 9 November 1460 he was publically proclaimed as heir to King Henry VI, and was directed by the King to suppress all rebellions in England and Wales. He fought in the Battle of Wakefield on 30 December 1460 at Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, where he met Queen Margaret and the Lancastrians, and his army was routed, and he was killed.
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