Margaret Grey facts for kids

Margaret Grey (born around 1397 – died between 1426 and 1427) was an important noblewoman from Wales. She was the daughter of Reginald Grey, a powerful lord who lived near the border of Wales and England. Her father was a big rival of Owain Glyndŵr, a famous Welsh leader.

Margaret was the first wife of William Bonville, who later became the first Lord Bonville. He was a knight who fought for the King.

Margaret's Family and Early Life

Margaret Grey was born around 1397 at Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire, Wales. Her parents were Reginald Grey, the 3rd Baron Grey de Ruthyn, and Margaret de Ros. She had two older brothers and two older sisters. Her brother, Sir John Grey, was also a knight.

Her Father, a Powerful Lord

Margaret's father was a very powerful "Marcher Lord." This meant he ruled lands along the border between England and Wales. These areas were called the Welsh Marches.

Her father had a big disagreement with Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh leader. This argument was about a piece of land. It led to Glyndŵr starting a rebellion against King Henry IV of England.

In 1402, Margaret's father was captured by Glyndŵr. King Henry IV had to pay a large sum of money to get him back. Before this, in 1400, the town of Ruthin was burned by the Welsh. This was in revenge for Grey's men destroying Glyndŵr's home. However, Ruthin Castle, where Margaret was born, was not harmed.

Margaret's father later married a second time in 1415. He had six more children with his second wife, Joan de Astley.

Marriage and Children

On December 12, 1414, Margaret Grey married William Bonville. He was a knight and later became the first Lord Bonville. Margaret was his first wife.

They lived at the Manor of Chewton Mendip in Somerset, England. They had several children together:

• Philippa Bonville (her existence is not fully certain). She married twice.
• William Bonville. He married Elizabeth Harington. They had a son named William Bonville, who became the 6th Baron Harington. This younger William married Katherine Neville. Their daughter, Cecily Bonville, became a very important noblewoman. Sadly, Margaret's son William and her grandson William both died in the Battle of Wakefield.
• Margaret Bonville. She married Sir William Courtenay. They had four sons and one daughter.
• Elizabeth Bonville. She married Sir William Tailboys. They had at least one son, Sir Robert Tailboys.

William Bonville's Career

Margaret's husband, William Bonville, became a knight before 1417. He fought in France for King Henry V. He was chosen to represent Somerset and Devon in Parliament several times. In 1423, the King made him the Sheriff of Devon. Later, in 1461, he was honored as a Knight of the Garter, a very important award.

Margaret Grey passed away sometime between April 1426 and October 1427. After her death, her husband William Bonville married Elizabeth Courtenay. They did not have any children together. In 1449, William Bonville officially became the 1st Baron Bonville.