Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester facts for kids

Eleanor Cobham (c.1400 – 7 July 1452) was an English noblewoman. She became the second wife of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, a very important royal figure. In 1441, her marriage was ended, and she was put in prison. She was accused of using magic for bad purposes, but many people thought these accusations were made for political reasons.

Quick facts for kids Eleanor Cobham
Duchess of Gloucester
Eleanor and her husband Humphrey in a 1431 illustration
Born	c. 1400 Sterborough Castle, Surrey, English
Died	7 July 1452 (aged c. 52) Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey, England
Spouse	Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester (m. bet. 1428–1431; ann. c. 1441)
Father	Reynold Cobham, 3rd Baron Cobham of Sterborough
Mother	Eleanor Culpeper

Eleanor's Early Life and Family

Eleanor was born around the year 1400. Her father was Sir Reginald Cobham. He lived at a place called Sterborough in Surrey, England. Her mother was Eleanor Culpeper. Eleanor was the younger of their two daughters.

Becoming the Duchess of Gloucester

Eleanor's Role as a Lady-in-Waiting

Around 1422, Eleanor started working as a lady-in-waiting. She served Jacqueline d'Hainault. Jacqueline had come to England in 1421. She had recently ended her marriage to John IV, Duke of Brabant.

Marriage to Duke Humphrey

In 1423, Jacqueline married Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. Humphrey was the youngest son of King Henry IV. After his older brother, King Henry V, died, Humphrey became a very important leader. He was in charge of the country for the young King Henry VI.

Humphrey went to France to try to get back his wife's lands. When he returned to England in 1425, Eleanor became his close companion. In January 1428, Humphrey's marriage to Jacqueline was declared invalid. Soon after, he married Eleanor.

People described Eleanor as beautiful, smart, and ambitious. Humphrey was known for being cultured and enjoying life. They created a lively court at their home, La Plesaunce, in Greenwich. Many poets, musicians, and scholars visited them there.

Eleanor's Growing Influence

In 1435, Humphrey's older brother, John, Duke of Bedford, passed away. This made Humphrey the next in line to the English throne. Humphrey also wanted to take on a bigger role in ruling the country. However, other leaders on the royal council disagreed with him.

Eleanor had some influence at the royal court. King Henry VI seemed to like her. In November 1435, Humphrey made sure Eleanor would inherit his wealth. Six months later, in April 1436, she was given the special robes of a duchess. This happened during a ceremony for the Order of the Garter, a very important group of knights.

Eleanor's Trial and Imprisonment

Accusations and Investigation

Eleanor was interested in knowing what the future held. She asked astrologers, like Thomas Southwell and Roger Bolingbroke, for predictions. These astrologers predicted that King Henry VI would become very ill in July or August 1441.

When these rumors reached the king's guardians, they became worried. They also consulted astrologers. These new astrologers found no sign of such an illness. This brought comfort to the king, who had been troubled by the rumors. The guardians then investigated the source of the rumors. They questioned Southwell, Bolingbroke, and John Home, who was Eleanor's personal priest.

Southwell and Bolingbroke were arrested. They were accused of using magic for treasonous purposes. Bolingbroke said that Eleanor had asked them to do this. Eleanor quickly sought protection in Westminster Abbey. This meant she could not be immediately tried in regular courts. Some people believe the charges against her were made worse to reduce her husband's power.

Confession and Punishment

While in sanctuary, Eleanor was questioned by religious leaders. She denied most of the serious accusations. However, she did admit to getting special mixtures from Margery Jourdemayne, "the Witch of Eye". Eleanor explained that she believed these mixtures would help her have children.

Eleanor and the others involved were found guilty. Southwell died in the Tower of London. Bolingbroke was executed. Jourdemayne was burned at the stake. Eleanor was given a public punishment in London. She also had to end her marriage to Duke Humphrey. She was then sentenced to spend the rest of her life in prison.

In November 1441, on three busy market days, Eleanor was forced to walk barefoot to three different churches. Market days were chosen to make sure many people saw her humiliation. Her marriage to Duke Humphrey was officially ended. This meant she lost her titles and any rights to his wealth.

Life in Prison

Eleanor was sentenced to stay in prison forever. In 1442, she was first held at Chester Castle. Then, in 1443, she was moved to Kenilworth Castle. This move might have happened because people worried that Eleanor was gaining sympathy. A woman from Kent even spoke to King Henry VI, telling him he should bring Eleanor home. This woman was later punished.

In July 1446, Eleanor was moved to the Isle of Man. Finally, in March 1449, she was moved to Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey. She died there on July 7, 1452.

Eleanor's Children

Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, had two known children: Arthur and Antigone. It is not fully clear if Eleanor was their mother. Some historians believe she was, while others say their mother is unknown.

If Eleanor was their mother, her children may have been:

• Arthur Plantagenet (died after 1447)
• Antigone Plantagenet, who married Henry Grey, 2nd Earl of Tankerville and later John d'Amancier.

Images for kids

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  The public penance of Eleanor Cobham from A Chronicle of England illustrated by J.W.E. Doyle 1864