Isabel of Cambridge, Countess of Essex facts for kids

Isabel of Cambridge, also known as the Countess of Essex, was an important noblewoman in England during the 1400s. She was born in 1409 and lived until 1484. Isabel was the only daughter of Richard, 3rd Earl of Cambridge, and Anne de Mortimer. Her brother was Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, a very powerful figure. Like her brother, Isabel was a great-grandchild of King Edward III of England, making her part of the royal family.

Isabel's Early Life

Isabel of York was born around 1409. Her father was Richard of Conisburgh, the 3rd Earl of Cambridge. Her mother was Anne de Mortimer. Through her father, Isabel was the granddaughter of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York. He was the fourth son of King Edward III. Isabel's grandmother on her father's side was Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York.

Through her mother, Anne de Mortimer, Isabel was also connected to royalty. Her mother's grandfather was Lionel of Antwerp, who was King Edward III's second son. This means Isabel had strong family ties to the English throne from both her parents.

Isabel's father, Richard, Earl of Cambridge, faced a serious problem. In 1415, he was involved in a plan against King Henry V of England. This plan was called the Southampton Plot. Because of his role, her father was executed on August 5, 1415. Even though he was executed, his title was not completely taken away. This meant Isabel's brother, Richard, who was only four years old, could still inherit his father's position.

Just a few months after their father's death, another important event happened. Isabel's uncle, Edward of Norwich, 2nd Duke of York, died in battle. He was killed at the Battle of Agincourt in October 1415. Since her uncle had no children, Isabel's young brother Richard also inherited his uncle's important title and lands. This made Richard a very powerful duke at a young age.

Family and Marriages

Isabel of Cambridge was married twice. Her marriages connected her to other powerful families in England.

First Marriage

When Isabel was only three years old, in 1412, she was promised in marriage to Sir Thomas Grey. He was the son of another Sir Thomas Grey. This marriage took place on February 18, 1413. Isabel and Sir Thomas Grey had one son, who was also named Thomas Grey. Sadly, Isabel's first husband, Sir Thomas Grey, died before 1426. His father had also been involved in the Southampton Plot with Isabel's own father.

Second Marriage

Isabel married for the second time before April 25, 1426. Her second husband was Henry Bourchier, 1st Earl of Essex. This marriage was later officially approved by the Pope. Isabel and Henry Bourchier had many children together, at least eleven.

Some of their children included:

• William Bourchier, Viscount Bourchier (died 1480)
• Sir Henry Bourchier (died 1462)
• Humphrey Bourchier, 1st Baron Cromwell (died 1471), who was killed in the Battle of Barnet.
• John Bourchier, 6th Baron Ferrers of Groby (died 1495)
• Edward Bourchier (died 1460), who was killed in the Battle of Wakefield.
• Sir Thomas Bourchier (born before 1448 – died 1492)
• Isabella Bourchier, who died young.
• Laura Bourchier (born 1440), who married John Courtenay, 7th Earl of Devon. He was killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471.

Later Life and Death

Isabel's second husband, Henry Bourchier, 1st Earl of Essex, passed away on April 4, 1483. Isabel remained a widow after his death. She died the following year, on October 2, 1484.

Both Isabel and her husband were first buried at Beeleigh Abbey near Maldon, in Essex. Later, their bodies were moved and reburied at Little Easton, also in Essex.