Constance of York, Countess of Gloucester facts for kids

Constance of York (born around 1375 – died 28 November 1416) was a significant noblewoman in medieval England. She was the only daughter of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York. Her mother was Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York. Isabella was the daughter of King Peter of Castile of Spain.

Her Family Background

Constance was born around the year 1375. Her father, Edmund of Langley, was the first Duke of York. This made him a very important person in the royal family. Her mother, Isabella of Castile, came from the royal family of Spain.

Involvement in Royal Plots

Constance married Thomas le Despenser, 1st Earl of Gloucester. King Richard II gave Thomas the title of Earl of Gloucester. But when King Richard II lost his throne, a new king, Henry IV, took over. Thomas lost some of his lands and his title.

Because of this, Thomas and others planned to remove King Henry IV from power. This plot happened in December 1399 and was called the Epiphany Rising. Their goal was to bring King Richard II back to the throne. Some stories say that Constance's brother, Edward, told King Henry IV about the plot. Thomas was later captured and executed in January 1400. After her husband died, Constance was allowed to keep most of his lands. She also got to raise her son, because she was related to the new king.

In February 1405, Constance herself started a plan. This was during a rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr in Wales. Constance tried to take young Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March, and his brother from Windsor Castle. Edmund Mortimer had a strong claim to the throne. Constance seemed to want to give him to his uncle, Sir Edmund Mortimer. Sir Edmund was married to Owain Glyndŵr's daughter.

However, Edmund Mortimer and his brother were caught before they reached Wales. Constance said her older brother, Edward, was also involved in the plot. Because of this, Edward was held in Pevensey Castle for 17 weeks. But he later regained King Henry IV's trust. Constance's seized property was also returned to her. She had been sent to Kenilworth Castle during this time.

Constance passed away in 1416. She was buried at the High Altar in Reading Abbey.

Her Marriage and Children

Constance married Thomas le Despenser, 1st Earl of Gloucester in 1397. Thomas was born in 1373 and died in 1400. They had one son and two daughters together:

• Richard le Despenser, 4th Baron Burghersh (1396–1414). He married Lady Eleanor Neville. Richard died young and had no children.
• Elizabeth (died young around 1398).
• Isabel. She was born after her father's death. Isabel first married Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Worcester. They had a daughter named Elizabeth. After Richard died, Isabel married Richard de Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick. They had two children: Henry Beauchamp, 1st Duke of Warwick and Anne Beauchamp, 16th Countess of Warwick.

After her husband's death, Constance had a daughter with Edmund Holland, 4th Earl of Kent. Her daughter was named Eleanor Holland. Eleanor later married James Tuchet, 5th Baron Audley.