Margaret Courtenay, Baroness Herbert facts for kids

Lady Margaret Courtenay was a noblewoman who lived in England during the early 1500s. She was born around 1499. Margaret was the only daughter of William Courtenay, 1st Earl of Devon and Catherine of York.

Her family had strong connections to the royal family. Her grandparents on her mother's side were Edward IV of England, who was a king, and Elizabeth Woodville. Margaret was also the younger sister of Henry Courtenay, 1st Marquess of Exeter.

Her cousins included important royal figures like Arthur, Prince of Wales, King Henry VIII of England, and two queens: Margaret Tudor, Queen consort of Scotland and Mary Tudor, Queen consort of France.

Early Life and Royal Connections

When Margaret was young, she was partly looked after by her aunt, Elizabeth of York. Elizabeth was the Queen of England at the time. In 1502, Margaret lived at the Queen's home, Havering Palace. This shows her close ties to the royal court.

Marriage and Later Life

Margaret married Henry Somerset. He was the oldest son of Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester. Henry became Baron Herbert in 1507.

There is an old story from Devon that says Margaret died in 1512. The story claims she choked on a fishbone at a place called Holcombe. While an inscription on a tomb seems to support this, it might be for a different Margaret.

We know for sure that Margaret was alive later than 1512. Records show her living in Richmond on July 2, 1520. At that time, she was helping to look after her young cousin, Princess Mary Tudor. Princess Mary later became Queen of England.

Margaret seems to have passed away sometime in the 1520s. The exact date is not known. Her husband, Henry Somerset, became the Earl of Worcester in 1526. By then, his wife was his second wife, Elizabeth Browne. Margaret and Henry Somerset did not have any children together.