Ralph was educated at Oxford University. In 1319 he was captured by the Scots at the death of his brother, Robert, but was ransomed by his father, for a crippling sum. He held the office of Constable of Warkworth Castle in 1322. In 1324 he was appointed with the Earl of Angus to escort the envoys of Robert Bruce to York, to treat for peace. He held the office of Steward of the Household between 1331 and 1337. He succeeded to the title of 2nd Lord Neville of Raby after 18 April 1331. He held the office of Warden of the Scottish Marches in 1334. He held the office of Keeper of Bamburgh Castle in 1335, for life. He held the office of Keeper of the Forests beyond the Trent in 1336, for life. He fought in the siege of Dunbar in 1338. He was a member of the Council of Prince Edward as Keeper of the Realm between 1338 and 1340. He fought in the relief of Perth when besieged by the Scots in 1339. He was Commissioner of the peace in Cumberland, Northumberland, Westmorland and Yorkshire in 1343. He was joint commander of the forces to repel the Scots invasion of Westmorland in 1345. He held the office of Deputy Sheriff of Westmorland in 1345. He fought in the Battle of Neville's Cross on 17 October 1346, where he commanded the 1st Division. He fought in the naval battle off Winchelsea against the Spaniards on 29 August 1350.
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