Catherine Grandison, Countess of Salisbury facts for kids
Catherine Grandison, Countess of Salisbury (born around 1304 – died 23 November 1349) was an important English noblewoman. She is remembered for her connection to King Edward III of England. Many believe she was the lady who inspired the creation of the famous Order of the Garter.
Catherine was the daughter of William de Grandison, 1st Baron Grandison, and Sibylla de Tregoz. Around 1320, Catherine married William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury.
Catherine's Family
Catherine and William had several children:
- Elizabeth Montacute, born before 1325. She married Hugh le Despenser, Baron le Despencer before 1341.
- William Montacute, 2nd Earl of Salisbury (1328–1397).
- Sibyl Montacute, born 1329. She married Sir Edmund FitzAlan before 1347.
- John de Montacute, 1st Baron Montacute (1330–1390). He was the father of John Montacute, 3rd Earl of Salisbury.
- Philippa Montagu, born 1332. She married Roger Mortimer, 2nd Earl of March.
- Agnes Montagu. She was planned to marry John, the eldest son of Roger Grey, 1st Baron Grey de Ruthyn.
The Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is a very old and important group of knights in England. It was started by King Edward III around 1348. A famous writer named Jean Froissart wrote about how it began.
He said that at a royal ball, a "Countess of Salisbury" accidentally dropped a garter. The King picked it up for her. This event is often said to be the inspiration for the Order of the Garter. People believe this countess was either Catherine Grandison or her daughter-in-law, Joan of Kent.
Catherine in Stories
Catherine's life has inspired different stories. An old play from the time of Queen Elizabeth I, called Edward III, tells a story about her.
Much later, in 1836, the famous writer Alexandre Dumas wrote a novel based on her life. It was called The Countess of Salisbury.
