Antigone of Gloucester, Countess of Tankerville facts for kids

Antigone of Gloucester was an English noblewoman who lived a long time ago, from before 1424 until after 1450. She was the daughter of Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, a powerful duke. This also made her the granddaughter of King Henry IV of England. Historians believe she was born around 1424 or even earlier. We don't know her exact death date, but it was sometime after 1450.

Who Were Antigone's Parents?

Antigone was the daughter of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. She was born outside of marriage, which was sometimes called "illegitimate" back then. She also had a brother named Arthur.

Many old records confirm that Antigone was indeed Duke Humphrey's daughter. For example, in 1451, official papers were given to Antigone. These papers called her the "biological daughter of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester." They also mentioned she was married to Jean d'Amancier, a royal squire.

Some historians, like Alison Weir, have wondered if Antigone's mother was Eleanor Cobham. Eleanor was Humphrey's mistress and later his wife. However, there is no clear proof from the time that Eleanor was Antigone's mother. Other historians suggest that Antigone and Arthur might have had French mothers.

Antigone's Marriages

Antigone married twice in her life.

• Her first husband was Henry Grey, 2nd Earl of Tankerville. He was also known as the 7th Earl of Powis. Henry lived from 1419 to 1450.
• After Henry Grey passed away in 1450, Antigone married again. Her second husband was Jean d'Amancy. He was an important advisor to the Duke of Orléans. Jean also worked as a squire for King Charles VII of France.

Antigone's Children and Family

Antigone had three known children with her first husband, Henry Grey:

• Richard Grey, 3rd Earl of Tankerville (born November 5, 1436 – died 1466). Richard married Margaret Touchet. They had a son named John Grey. John later married Anne Herbert. Richard and Margaret also had a daughter, Elizabeth Grey.
• Humphrey Grey. Humphrey married Eleanor Touchet. Eleanor was the daughter of James Touchet.
• Elizabeth Grey (born around 1440 – died around 1501). Elizabeth married Sir Roger Kynaston before August 1465. Roger was a High Sheriff of Shropshire. They had a son named Humphrey Kynaston.

Antigone's family line is quite special. Her descendants are the only known descendants of King Henry IV of England who still lived in England after 1471. This means her family continued the royal line in England. For example, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who is married to Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, is one of Antigone's descendants!