Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elizabeth of York
Duchess of Suffolk
Elizabeth Plantagenet, Duchess of Suffolk, detail from her effigy in St Andrew's Church, Wingfield, Suffolk
Born	22 April 1444 Rouen, Normandy, France
Died	after January 1503 (aged c. 58) Wingfield Castle, Suffolk, England
Spouse	John de la Pole, 2nd Duke of Suffolk
Issue	John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln Geoffrey de la Pole Edward de la Pole, Archdeacon of Richmond Elizabeth de la Pole, Lady Morley Edmund de la Pole, 3rd Duke of Suffolk Dorothy de la Pole Humphrey de la Pole Anne de la Pole Catherine de la Pole, Lady Stourton William de la Pole Richard de la Pole
House	York
Father	Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York
Mother	Cecily Neville
Religion	Roman Catholic

Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk (born 22 April 1444 – died around 1503) was an important figure in English history. She was also known as Elizabeth Plantagenet. She was the sixth child and third daughter of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York and Cecily Neville. This made her the sister of two English kings, Edward IV and Richard III.

Elizabeth's Marriage and Family Life

Elizabeth married John de la Pole, 2nd Duke of Suffolk sometime before February 1458. John was the oldest son of William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk and Alice Chaucer. His grandparents were Thomas Chaucer and Maud Burghersh.

Challenges for John's Father

John's father, William de la Pole, had been a very powerful person in England. He served as a chief advisor to Henry VI of England from 1447 to 1450. During this time, England lost many of its lands in northern France. This happened near the end of the Hundred Years' War. William was blamed for these losses. He was sent to the Tower of London and lost his titles. Because of this, John did not become Duke of Suffolk right away when his father died in 1450.

Becoming Duchess of Suffolk

Elizabeth's older brother, Edward IV of England, became king. In 1463, he gave John de la Pole back his title as Duke of Suffolk. This meant Elizabeth became the Duchess of Suffolk. She held this title until her husband passed away in 1491 or 1492. They lived in Wingfield, Suffolk.

Elizabeth lived for about ten years after her husband. She was last mentioned alive in January 1503. By May 1504, records show she had passed away. She is buried in the church in Wingfield, Suffolk.

Elizabeth's Children

Elizabeth and John de la Pole had many children together. Here are some of them:

• John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln (born around 1462 – died 16 June 1487). He was named as the future heir by his uncle, King Richard III. He married Lady Margaret FitzAlan. They had a son, Edward de la Pole, who died young. John later fought against King Henry VII and was killed at the Battle of Stoke Field.
• Geoffrey de la Pole (born 1464). He joined the church.
• Edward de la Pole (1466–1485). He was an Archdeacon in Richmond.
• Elizabeth de la Pole (born around 1468 – died 1489). She married Henry Lovel, 8th Baron Morley. They did not have any children.
• Edmund de la Pole, 3rd Duke of Suffolk (1471 – 30 April 1513). He claimed the throne after his brother John. He was later executed by order of Henry VIII.
• Dorothy de la Pole (born 1472). She died when she was young.
• Humphrey de la Pole (1474–1513). He also joined the church.
• Anne de la Pole (1476–1501). She became the seventh Prioress (leader) of Sion Abbey.
• Catherine de la Pole (born around 1477 – died 1513). She married William Stourton, 5th Baron Stourton. They did not have any children.
• Sir William de la Pole, Knight, of Wingfield Castle (1478–1539). William was held in the Tower of London. He likely died in late 1539. He married Katherine Stourton and they had no children.
• Richard de la Pole (1480 – 24 February 1525). He also claimed the throne after his brother Edmund. He was killed at the Battle of Pavia.