Henry Holland, 3rd Duke of Exeter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Holland
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| Born | 27 June 1430 |
| Died | September 1475 |
| Occupation | Duke of Exeter |
| Known for | Leader during the War of the Roses |
| Spouse(s) | Anne of York |
| Children | Anne Holland |
| Parents |
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Henry Holland, 3rd Duke of Exeter (born June 27, 1430 – died September 1475) was an important leader for the Lancastrian side during the Wars of the Roses in England. He was the only son of John Holland, 2nd Duke of Exeter, and his first wife, Anne Stafford. His grandparents were Edmund Stafford, 5th Earl of Stafford, and Anne of Gloucester.
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Who Was Henry Holland?
Henry Holland became the Duke of Exeter and Earl of Huntington when his father passed away in 1447. He was known for having a very strong personality. For a time, he was in charge of the Tower of London, a famous castle and prison.
His Role in the Wars of the Roses
The Wars of the Roses were a series of battles fought in England between two powerful families, the Lancastrians (who Henry supported) and the Yorkists. These wars were about who should be king.
Early Life and Marriage
In 1447, Henry married Anne, who was only eight years old at the time. Anne was the daughter of Richard of York, a very important leader on the Yorkist side. Even though he married a Yorkist, Henry stayed loyal to King Henry VI, who was a Lancastrian.
Fighting for the Lancastrians
Henry was put in prison at Wallingford Castle when the Yorkists briefly took control in 1455. This happened after the First Battle of St Albans. In 1458, he tried to help make peace between the two sides during an event called The Love Day.
He was a commander in some big Lancastrian victories, like the Battle of Wakefield in 1460 and the Second Battle of St Albans in 1461. However, his side lost badly at the Battle of Towton in 1461. After this defeat, he had to escape to Scotland. Later, he joined Queen Margaret in France, where she was living in exile.
In 1461, Henry lost his titles and lands because of a special law called an attainder. His lands were given to his wife, Anne, and they separated in 1464. When King Henry VI briefly became king again, Henry Holland was able to get many of his lands and positions back.
His Final Years
At the Battle of Barnet, Henry led the Lancastrian left side. He was badly hurt and almost died, but he survived. After this battle, he was put in prison. His wife, Anne, officially divorced him in 1472.
In 1475, Henry "volunteered" to go on an expedition to France with King Edward IV. On the way back to England, he fell overboard and drowned in the sea between Dover and Calais. How he drowned is not fully known.
Family Life
Henry Holland married Anne of York before July 30, 1447. Anne was the oldest child of Richard, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. She was also the older sister of two future kings, Edward IV and Richard III.
Henry and Anne had one child:
- Anne Holland (born 1461 – died sometime between 1467 and 1474). She married Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset.
Since Henry did not have any sons who lived, what happened to his lands after he died became a complicated issue for his wife, Anne.
See Also
- List of people who disappeared mysteriously at sea
- List of unsolved deaths
