Eleanor Grey facts for kids

Lady Eleanor Arundell was an English noblewoman who lived in the late 1400s and early 1500s. She was the first wife of Sir John Arundell of Lanherne, Cornwall. Sir John was a very important person in Cornwall, serving as the Receiver-General of the Duchy of Cornwall. This meant he managed the lands and money for the Duke of Cornwall.

Eleanor's father was Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset. After she died, a special memorial was made for her and Sir John. This memorial, called a monumental brass, is in the church at St Columb Major in Cornwall. It is known as one of the most detailed and interesting brass memorials in the area. Eleanor was also an ancestor of a later noble family, the Barons Arundell of Wardour.

Eleanor Grey's Family Background

Eleanor Grey was the daughter of Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset, and Cecily Bonville, Baroness Harington and Bonville. Her mother, Cecily, was one of the richest women in England during the late 1400s.

Eleanor's family had close ties to the royal family. Her grandmother, Elizabeth Woodville, was the Queen of England, married to King Edward IV of England. This made Eleanor's father the half-brother of two young princes, Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, 1st Duke of York. He was also the half-brother of Elizabeth of York, who later became Queen when she married King Henry VII of England.

Eleanor had many brothers and sisters, 13 in total! Her oldest brother was Thomas Grey, 2nd Marquess of Dorset. He became the Marquess after their father passed away in 1501. Interestingly, this brother was the grandfather of Lady Jane Grey, who was briefly the Queen of England many years later.

Eleanor's Marriage and Children

Eleanor Grey married Sir John Arundell. Together, they had four children:

• Sir John Arundell (born around 1500 – died 1557): He was their oldest son and inherited his father's titles and lands. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Cornwall.
• Sir Thomas Arundell (born around 1502 – died 1552): He lived in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and at Wardour Castle in Wiltshire. He also became a Member of Parliament for Dorset. Sir Thomas married Margaret Howard, whose sister, Catherine Howard, became the fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England.
• Elizabeth Arundel: She married Sir Richard Edgecombe.
• Jane Arundel: She passed away in 1577.

Her Memorial Brass

Eleanor Grey passed away sometime before December 1503. Her memorial brass is located in the St Columb Major Church in Cornwall. It's not fully clear if she is actually buried there, but the brass serves as a tribute to her.

On the memorial brass, Eleanor is shown next to her husband, Sir John Arundell. Her name is actually spelled incorrectly as 'Elizabeth' on the brass, which was her middle name. She is shown with her head resting on a cushion. The brass also features detailed shields with the coats of arms of both the Arundell and Grey families. These coats of arms show symbols representing their noble heritage and family connections.