Blanche of England facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blanche of England |
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Portrait above Blanche's tomb in Neustadt an der Weinstraße
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| Born | Spring 1392 Peterborough Castle, Northamptonshire, Kingdom of England |
| Died | 22 May 1409 (aged 17) Free Imperial City of Haguenau, Holy Roman Empire |
| Burial | St Mary's at Neustadt, Electorate of the Palatinate |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | Rupert |
| House | Lancaster |
| Father | Henry IV of England |
| Mother | Mary de Bohun |
Blanche of England (born in spring 1392 – died 22 May 1409) was an English princess. She was also known as Blanche of Lancaster. She was the daughter of King Henry IV of England and his first wife, Mary de Bohun. Blanche was a member of the important House of Lancaster.
Early Life and Family
Blanche was born in 1392 at Peterborough Castle in England. She was the sixth of seven children born to Henry of Lancaster and his wife, Mary de Bohun. At the time of her birth, her father was not yet king. He was known as Henry of Lancaster and held several important titles. Blanche was named after her grandmother, who was also called Blanche.
Blanche's mother, Mary de Bohun, passed away in 1394. This happened at Peterborough Castle after she gave birth to her last child, Philippa. Five years later, in 1399, Blanche's father became King of England. He took the throne from his cousin, Richard II. In 1402, her father married again. His new wife was Joanna, who was a queen and a duchess. They did not have any children together.
A Royal Marriage
In 1401, King Henry IV held a special event at Eltham Palace. This was to welcome Manuel II Palaiologos, an important visitor. The event included a tournament, which was like a knightly competition. This tournament was remembered in a unique way. Thirteen letters were written in old French, praising the knights who fought. These letters were likely read aloud during the event.
After becoming king, Henry IV wanted to make strong alliances with other countries. This would help him keep his rule secure. One important ally was King Rupert of Germany. King Rupert had also become king after his predecessor was removed from power. So, a marriage was quickly arranged. It was between Rupert's oldest son, Louis, and King Henry IV's oldest daughter, Blanche.
The marriage agreement was signed in London in March 1401. Blanche's dowry, which was like a gift from her family, was set at a large amount of gold. The wedding ceremony took place on July 6, 1402, in Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Blanche's dowry also included a very old royal crown. This crown is still known today as the Crown of Princess Blanche. Even though it was a political marriage, people said that Blanche and Louis were very happy together.
Four years later, in 1406, Blanche gave birth to a son. They named him Rupert, after his grandfather, the King of Germany.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1408, Blanche was honored by becoming a Lady of the Garter. This is a very special order of knighthood in England. Just one year later, in 1409, Blanche became ill with a fever. She was pregnant with her second child when she passed away at the age of 17. She was buried in a church in Neustadt in Germany.
Blanche's husband, Louis, later became Elector Palatine in 1410. He married again in 1417 and had six more children. Blanche's son, Rupert, was sometimes called "the English." He died when he was 19 years old, in 1426. He never married and did not have any children.
Images for kids
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Portrait above Blanche's tomb in Neustadt an der Weinstraße
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The Crown of Princess Blanche, kept at Munich Residenz
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Blanche's restored tombstone at the church in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse
