Elizabeth of Lancaster, Duchess of Exeter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elizabeth of Lancaster |
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| Duchess of Exeter | |
Arms of Elizabeth of Lancaster
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| Born | c. 1363–1364 Burford, Shropshire, Kingdom of England |
| Died | 24 November 1426 (aged c. 61–63) |
| Burial | St Mary's Church, Burford, Shropshire |
| Spouse |
John Hastings, 3rd Earl of Pembroke
(m. 1380; annulled 1386)
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| Issue |
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| House | Lancaster |
| Father | John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster |
| Mother | Blanche of Lancaster |
Elizabeth of Lancaster was a royal lady born around 1363. She was the third child of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a very powerful prince, and his first wife, Blanche of Lancaster. In 1378, Elizabeth was given the special title of a Lady of the Garter. This was a high honor in the royal court.
Contents
A Royal Childhood
Elizabeth was born in a place called Burford, Shropshire. During her childhood, she lived in her father's grand royal home. She was looked after by Katherine Swynford, whom she respected very much. Elizabeth grew up to be a strong-willed and lively young woman. People often described her as more spirited than her older sister.
Elizabeth's Marriages
Elizabeth had three important marriages during her life. Each marriage was a big event for a royal lady of her time.
First Marriage: A Young Groom
On June 24, 1380, Elizabeth married John Hastings, 3rd Earl of Pembroke. The wedding took place at Kenilworth Castle. Elizabeth was about seventeen years old, but her husband was only eight! After the wedding, she moved to a new home that suited her new title as Countess of Pembroke. However, this marriage did not last. Six years later, the marriage was officially ended, or "annulled." This meant it was treated as if it had never happened.
Second Marriage: A Quick Union
By the time Elizabeth was 23, her first marriage was annulled. On June 24, 1386, she quickly married John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter in Plymouth. John Holland was known for his charm. Elizabeth's father, John of Gaunt, was very kind to her about this new marriage. He also liked his new son-in-law, John Holland.
Third Marriage: A New Beginning
In 1400, John Holland, who was now the Duke of Exeter, faced a sad end. He was executed for being part of a plan against his cousin, Henry IV of England. Henry IV was Elizabeth's brother, and he had recently become king.
Later that same year, Elizabeth married Sir John Cornwall, 1st Baron Fanhope. This marriage caused a bit of a stir. Sir John did not ask Elizabeth's brother, the King, for permission to marry her. Because of this, Sir John was arrested for a short time. However, many people said that Elizabeth and Sir John had a very happy and loving marriage. They had two children together, a daughter named Constance and a son named John.
Elizabeth passed away in 1426. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Burford, in Shropshire.
Elizabeth's Children
Elizabeth had children from two of her marriages.
Children with John Holland
With her second husband, John Holland, Elizabeth had six children:
- Richard Holland, who became the 2nd Earl of Huntingdon. He died in 1400, just seven months after his father.
- Constance Holland (born 1387, died 1437). She married Thomas Mowbray, 4th Earl of Norfolk and later Sir John Grey. She had children.
- Elizabeth Holland (born around 1389, died 1449). She married Sir Roger Fiennes and had children.
- Alice Holland (born around 1392, died around 1406). She married Richard de Vere, 11th Earl of Oxford but did not have any children.
- John Holland, 2nd Duke of Exeter (born 1395, died 1447). He also had children.
- Sir Edward Holland (born 1399, died 1413). He did not have any children.
Children with Sir John Cornwall
With her third husband, Sir John Cornwall, 1st Baron Fanhope, Elizabeth had two children:
- Constance Cornwall (born around 1401, died around 1427). She married John Fitzalan, 14th Earl of Arundel but did not have any children.
- Sir John Cornwall (born around 1404, died 1422). He was only seventeen years old when he sadly died during a battle. His head was hit by a cannonball at the Siege of Meaux. He did not have any children.
