Anne Beauchamp, 15th Countess of Warwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anne Beauchamp
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Drawing of Anne from the Rous Roll, c. 1483
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| Born | 14 February 1444 Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
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| Died | 3 June 1449 (aged 5) Ewelme, Oxfordshire, England
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| Resting place | Reading Abbey, Berkshire |
| Title | 15th Countess of Warwick 7th Baroness Burghersh |
| Term | 11 June 1446 – 3 June 1449 |
| Successor | Richard Neville |
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Anne Beauchamp, 15th Countess of Warwick (born 14 February 1444 – died 3 June 1449), was the only child of a powerful English nobleman, Henry Beauchamp, 1st Duke of Warwick. She was her father's only heir, meaning she would inherit his titles and lands. Anne died when she was only five years old. After her death, the important title of Earl of Warwick went to her aunt. Later, this title passed to her uncle by marriage, Richard Neville. He became very famous during the Wars of the Roses and was known as the 'Kingmaker'.
Contents
Anne's Early Life
Anne Beauchamp was born on 14 February 1444 in Cardiff, Wales. Her father was Henry Beauchamp, Duke of Warwick. He was the last man in his family to hold the Warwick title. Anne's mother was Cecily Neville. Cecily was the sister of Richard Neville, who would later become a very important person in English history.
Inheriting Titles
Anne's father died on 11 June 1446. He had been given the title of Duke of Warwick in 1445. However, this title could only be passed down to male children. So, when Henry Beauchamp died, the dukedom ended.
But the title of Earl of Warwick was different. It had been created a long time ago, in 1088. This earldom could be passed down to female children. So, Anne inherited it from her father, becoming the Countess of Warwick. She also inherited another title, the Barony of Burghersh. She was the seventh person to hold this title.
In February 1447, another important person died: King Henry VI's uncle, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. Anne then also inherited control over the Channel Islands. These islands had been set aside for her father to control.
A Rich Young Girl
Even as a baby, Anne was one of the richest heiresses of her time. This meant she was a young girl who would inherit a lot of wealth and land. Another very rich young girl was Lady Margaret Beaufort.
Both Anne and Margaret were placed under the care of important people. These guardians were Anne's step-great-grandmother, Alice Chaucer, and William de la Pole. William de la Pole wanted Anne to marry his son, John de la Pole. This would have made his family even more powerful.
Anne's Death
Sadly, Anne died on 3 June 1449. She was only five years old. She passed away at Ewelme in Oxfordshire, which was the home of the Chaucer family. Anne was buried in the church at Reading Abbey. This place might have been chosen because her great-grandmother, Constance of York, was also buried there.
After Anne's death, her title of Countess of Warwick was inherited by her paternal aunt, Lady Anne. The Barony of Burghersh was then shared between her aunts.
What Happened Next
After Anne's death, William de la Pole changed his plans. He arranged for his son, John, to be engaged to Lady Margaret Beaufort instead. However, this marriage agreement was later cancelled by the king. Margaret herself never saw John as her first husband.
John de la Pole later married Elizabeth of York. She was the sister of future kings Edward IV and Richard III. Lady Margaret Beaufort went on to marry Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond. She became the mother of King Henry VII, who later became king of England.
See also
In Spanish: Anne de Beauchamp, XV condesa de Warwick para niños
