He was the son of another Sir Richard Woodville, chamberlain to the Duke of Bedford. After the duke died the younger Richard married the widowed duchess, Jacquetta of Luxembourg.
He was created Baron Rivers by Henry VI in 1448. Initially he was on the Lancastrian side in the Wars of the Roses, but he later switched and became a Yorkist. After the marriage of his daughter Elizabeth to Edward IV, he was created Earl Rivers (1466) and appointed Lord Treasurer by his new son-in-law.
Rivers was executed by the Lancastrians after the Battle of Edgecote. His eldest son, Anthony succeeded him as earl.
{| border="2" align="center"
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|width="30%" align="center"|Preceded by:
New Creation
|width="40%" align="center"|Earl Rivers
|width="30%" align="center"|Followed by:
Anthony Woodville
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