Edward Stafford, 2nd Earl of Wiltshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Stafford, Earl of Wiltshire
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Effigy of Edward Stafford, Lowick Church, 1796 drawing
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| Born | 7 April 1470 |
| Died | 24 March 1499 (aged 28) Drayton, Northamptonshire |
| Buried | Lowick, Northamptonshire |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Grey |
| Father | John Stafford, 1st Earl of Wiltshire |
| Mother | Constance Greene |
Edward Stafford was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was known as the 2nd Earl of Wiltshire. He was born on April 7, 1470, and passed away on March 24, 1499. He was also a Knight of the Bath, which was a special honor given by the King.
Who Was Edward Stafford?
Edward Stafford was the only child of John Stafford, 1st Earl of Wiltshire. His father was a son of Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham, a very powerful duke. Edward's mother was Constance Greene. She was the only daughter of Henry Greene, who owned Drayton House in Lowick, Northamptonshire.
Edward's Life and Role
Edward's father died when Edward was only three years old. This meant Edward became the Earl of Wiltshire at a very young age.
When he was five, on April 18, 1475, Edward was made a Knight of the Bath. This was a special title given by the King. Since he was so young, other people managed his lands and looked after him. His grandmother, Anne, Duchess of Buckingham, was in charge of his care.
As he grew up, Edward took part in important royal events:
- On July 6, 1483, he carried the Queen's crown at the coronation of King Richard III.
- Later that year, he was there when King Richard III's son, Edward, was made Prince of Wales.
When Edward Stafford turned 14, on June 30, 1484, he was allowed to take control of his own lands. He continued to be involved in royal life:
- On November 25, 1487, he attended the coronation of King Henry VII's Queen, Elizabeth of York.
- In 1497, he joined the forces that fought against the Cornish rebels at Blackheath.
- On September 11, 1498, he hosted King Henry VII at his home, Drayton House.
Edward Stafford passed away at Drayton House on March 24, 1499. He was only 28 years old. He was buried in Lowick, Northamptonshire.
In his will, Edward asked to be buried in St. Peter's Church in Lowick, in the area called "Our Lady's aisle," next to his grandfather Greene. He also wanted his executors (the people who carry out his will) to build a proper tomb for him there.
Family Life
On July 13, 1494, Edward Stafford married Margaret Grey. She was the daughter of Edward Grey, Viscount Lisle. Edward and Margaret did not have any children. Because of this, when Edward died, the title of Earl of Wiltshire could not be passed on. The earldom (the title of Earl) ended with him.
Later, in 1510, the earldom of Wiltshire was given to Edward Stafford's cousin, Henry Stafford, 1st Earl of Wiltshire.
