Elizabeth Somerset, Baroness Herbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elizabeth Herbert |
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|---|---|
| Baroness Herbert | |
| Spouse(s) | Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester |
| Issue | |
| Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester Elizabeth Somerset |
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| Father | William Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke |
| Mother | Mary Woodville |
| Born | c. 1476 |
| Died | 27 August 1507 |
Elizabeth Herbert, 3rd Baroness Herbert (born around 1476, died 27 August 1507) was an important noblewoman in England. She was the only daughter and heir of William Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, and his first wife, Mary Woodville. Being an "heir" meant she was the person who would legally inherit her father's property and titles.
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Who Was Elizabeth Herbert?
Elizabeth Herbert was born into a very powerful family in the late 1400s. Her father, William Herbert, was a high-ranking nobleman known as the Earl of Pembroke. Her mother was Mary Woodville. Elizabeth was their only child.
Inheriting a Title and Lands
When Elizabeth's father passed away on 16 July 1491, she became the owner of many large areas of land in Wales. She also inherited his title, becoming the 3rd Baroness Herbert. However, she could not inherit the title of "Earl of Pembroke." This was because the earldom could only be passed down to sons, not daughters.
Because Elizabeth was still young when her father died, she became a "ward" of King Henry VII of England. This meant the King became her guardian and was responsible for her and her valuable lands until she was old enough.
Marriage and Family Life
On 2 June 1492, Elizabeth married Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester. This marriage was likely arranged by the King, as was common for important noble families at the time.
Elizabeth and Charles had one son named Henry, who was born around 1496. Henry would later inherit his mother's title. In 1504, Elizabeth's husband, Charles Somerset, was also given the title of Baron Herbert.
Her Legacy
Elizabeth Herbert passed away on 27 August 1507. She was buried in St George's Chapel, which is located at Windsor Castle. This chapel is a very famous and historic place where many important people are buried.
After Elizabeth's death, her husband, Charles Somerset, gained even more power and land. The next month, he inherited additional estates, including the lease of Caldicot Castle, from Elizabeth's uncle, Sir Walter Herbert. With these new lands, Charles Somerset became one of the most powerful landowners in South Wales. He later remarried in 1511 and was made the Earl of Worcester in 1514.
