Edmund Grey, 1st Earl of Kent facts for kids
Edmund Grey, the first Earl of Kent, was an important English nobleman. He was born on October 26, 1416, and passed away on May 22, 1490. Edmund was a key figure in English politics and administration during his time. His main home was at Wrest Park, near Silsoe in Bedfordshire.
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Edmund Grey: A Powerful English Noble
Edmund Grey was a very influential person in England. He held many important positions and played a big part in the country's history. He was known for his administrative skills and his role in the Wars of the Roses.
Who Was Edmund Grey?
Edmund Grey was the son of Sir John Grey and Constance Holland. His family was well-connected and powerful. He inherited his grandfather's title, Baron Grey de Ruthyn, in 1440.
Family Connections to Royalty
Edmund Grey had strong links to the English royal family. Through his mother, Constance Holland, he was a great-grandson of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. John of Gaunt was the third son of King Edward III of England. This made Edmund a grand-nephew of King Henry IV of England.
Edmund married Lady Katherine Percy. She also had royal connections. Katherine was a great-granddaughter of John of Gaunt through his third wife, Katherine Swynford. She was also a descendant of King Edward III through his second son, Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence. These marriages helped strengthen his family's position.
Becoming a Knight and War Hero
Edmund Grey became a knight in October 1440. This happened after he served in Aquitaine, a region in France. He later became very active in the Wars of the Roses. This was a series of wars fought between two powerful families, the House of Lancaster and the House of York, for control of the English throne.
Edmund played a crucial role in the Battle of Northampton. During this battle, he changed his support from the Lancastrian side to the Yorkist side. This decision helped the Yorkists win the battle. Because of his actions, King Edward IV rewarded him. He received the manor of Ampthill, a valuable piece of land.
Serving the King: High Offices
Edmund Grey held many important jobs for the king. On June 24, 1463, he was made the Lord High Treasurer of England. This was a very high position, in charge of the country's money. He served in this role until November 1464.
He continued to hold other significant offices under King Edward IV and later under King Richard III. On July 5, 1483, he was made a Knight of the Bath. In 1485, he was the constable of Northampton Castle, which meant he was in charge of its defense.
How He Became an Earl
Edmund Grey was given the title of Earl of Kent on May 30, 1465. This happened shortly after his oldest son, Anthony, married Joan Woodville. Joan was the sister-in-law of the king. Being made an Earl was a great honor and showed his importance to the king.
After becoming an Earl, he was also appointed chief justice of Meryonnyth in North Wales. He also became the constable of Harlech, another important castle. When his first son, Anthony, passed away, his second son, George, became his heir. George later became the 2nd Earl of Kent.
His Children and Legacy
Edmund Grey had several children with his wife, Katherine Percy. They included:
- Anthony Grey: He passed away before his father. He married Eleanor Woodville, who was the sister of Elizabeth Woodville, the queen. They did not have any children.
- George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent: He became the next Earl of Kent. He married Anne Woodville and later Katherine Herbert.
- Elizabeth Grey: She married Sir Robert Greystoke.
- Anne Grey: She married John Grey, the 8th Baron Grey of Wilton.
