With the discovery of Richard III’s body in 2012, interest in this most controversial of kings has never been higher, but what of his little mentioned wife, Anne Neville? Shakespeare presents her to us as a woman consumed with rage, bitterness and grief. She rages, screams and weeps but, ultimately, she is shown as nothing more than a passive victim of the men who used and exploited her.

This could not be further from the truth. Born into one of the most powerful dynasties in medieval England, Anne knew her worth, and her power. She was a great survivor, emerging with a crown on her head. Tragedy would ultimately engulf her, and her premature death was subject to rumour and speculation. But there is undoubtedly more to Anne than her marriage and her end. She is both fascinating and elusive, a powerbroker and very much her father’s daughter. It’s time to meet the real Anne Neville.

Rebecca Batley is an archaeologist and a historian with a particular interest in women’s history. She is author of the book Anne Neville: Queen and Wife of Richard III.