Elizabeth Stafford, Countess of Sussex facts for kids

Elizabeth Stafford was an important English noblewoman who lived a long time ago, from about 1479 to 1532. She was known as the Countess of Sussex because of her marriage. Her family was very powerful and connected to the royal family of England.

Elizabeth's Family Background

Elizabeth Stafford was born around 1479. Her father was Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. A Duke was a very high-ranking noble. Her mother was Lady Catherine Woodville.

Royal Connections

Elizabeth's mother, Catherine, was the daughter of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers. This made Elizabeth the niece of Elizabeth Woodville. Elizabeth Woodville was the queen, married to King Edward IV of England. So, Elizabeth Stafford had close ties to the royal family through her mother.

Brothers and Sister

Elizabeth had two brothers. They were Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, and Henry Stafford, 1st Earl of Wiltshire. She also had a sister named Anne. Anne married two times. Her first husband was Sir Walter Herbert. Her second husband was George Hastings, 1st Earl of Huntingdon.

Her Mother's Later Life

Elizabeth's father, the Duke of Buckingham, faced serious trouble. He was executed in 1483. After his death, Elizabeth's mother, Catherine Woodville, married again. She married Jasper Tudor, who was an uncle to the future King Henry VII. After Jasper Tudor passed away, Catherine married Sir Richard Wingfield. Catherine Woodville died in 1497.

Growing Up

After her father's death, Elizabeth stayed with her mother. She lived with her until she got married herself. Elizabeth Stafford passed away before May 11, 1532. She was buried in a place called Boreham in Essex, England.

Marriage and Children

Elizabeth Stafford married Robert Radcliffe. They got married shortly after July 23, 1505. Robert later became the 1st Earl of Sussex. An Earl was another very important noble title.

Elizabeth's Sons

Elizabeth and Robert had three sons:

• Henry Radcliffe, born around 1507. He later became the 2nd Earl of Sussex. His son, Thomas, became a very important person at the court of Queen Elizabeth.
• Sir Humphrey Radcliffe, born around 1508 or 1509. He lived in Elstow, Bedfordshire. Humphrey married Isabel Harvey. They had two sons and at least three daughters. One of their sons, Edward, later became the 6th Earl of Sussex.
• George Radcliffe. He married Catherine Marney. Catherine was the daughter of John Marney, 2nd Baron Marney.

Robert Radcliffe's Later Marriages

After Elizabeth Stafford passed away, her husband, Robert Radcliffe, married two more times. His second wife was Margaret Stanley. They had two daughters together. His third wife was Mary Arundell. They had two sons, but one died when he was very young. Robert Radcliffe died in 1542. His last wife, Mary, later married Henry FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel.