Agnes of Eltham facts for kids

Agnes of Eltham (1498–1530) was an English woman. Some people believed she was the daughter of Princess Bridget of York. Bridget of York was a nun. She was also the daughter of King Edward IV of England and Queen Elizabeth Woodville.

Who Was Agnes of Eltham?

Agnes was said to be an orphan. She grew up at Dartford Priory in Dartford, Kent. This was the same place where Princess Bridget of York lived quietly as a nun. The royal family paid for Agnes's care. This continued until Elizabeth of York, Bridget's sister, died in 1503. Princess Bridget of York died in 1517. She was 37 years old.

Agnes's Marriage

Agnes left the Priory in 1514. She married Adam Langstroth (1490-1549). Adam was from a wealthy family in Yorkshire. This area was important to the House of York. It was also a safe place for people loyal to the York family during the early Tudor period. Agnes brought a large dowry (money or property) to the marriage.

Adam Langstroth fought in the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. He fought alongside Lord Clifford. Adam's family had lived in Longstrother Dale in Yorkshire for many generations. His wife was named Agnes. They had at least one son, Christopher Langstroth. However, there is no clear proof that his wife was the same person known as 'Agnes of Eltham'.

Life at Dartford Priory

Dartford Priory was a Dominican nunnery. It was about sixteen miles outside of London in Kent. Paul Lee, an expert on nunneries, says it was one of the ten richest and largest nunneries in England. Agnes was believed to be an orphan living there.

The Priory was also home to Princess Bridget of York. Bridget was the younger sister of Elizabeth. Elizabeth was queen to King Henry VII. Bridget was also the daughter of King Edward IV of England and Queen Elizabeth Woodville. King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville supported Agnes. They paid for her needs until 1507.

Bridget was thought to have joined Dartford in 1490. Elizabeth Cressner was the prioress (head nun) from 1489 to 1536. She was in charge during Bridget's time there. Dartford was the only Dominican nunnery in England. The nuns followed strict rules. These rules included living simply, being pure, helping others, and obeying leaders.

The rules meant nuns usually stayed inside the priory. There is no sign of any scandal about nuns leaving. However, the priory did allow other people to stay there. Both boys and girls could also get an education there.

Was Agnes of Eltham Really Agnes Roper?

It is possible that 'Agnes of Eltham' was actually Agnes Roper. Agnes Roper was a nun at Dartford. She was the only nun with that name around the time the priories were closed down. Her father was John Roper of Well Hall. He was the Attorney General. Her brother, William Roper, married Margaret. Margaret was the daughter of Sir Thomas More.

Well Hall was located in Eltham. This might explain why she was called 'Agnes of Eltham'. The records of the Priory do not mention any child of Princess Bridget. Instead, the records state: "Sister Agnes Roper, daughter of Henry VIII's attorney general John Roper of Eltham... was a nun at Dartford from the 1520s until the time of Dissolution." This suggests that Agnes Roper was a known nun at Dartford, but not necessarily Bridget's daughter.