Margaret Longespée, 4th Countess of Salisbury facts for kids

Margaret Longespée, who passed away in 1309, was an important noblewoman in England. She held the title of the 4th Countess of Salisbury.

Margaret Longespée's Early Life and Marriage

Margaret was the only child of William III Longespée and Maud de Clifford. Her family was well-known and powerful in England.

Planning Her Future

In 1256, Margaret's father was badly hurt during a knightly tournament in a place called Blyth. After this, he started making plans for Margaret's future. He arranged for her to marry Henry de Lacy. Henry was the son of another important lord, Edmund de Lacy of Pontefract. King Henry III of England officially approved their marriage in December 1256.

Guardianship and Marriage

After Margaret's father died, King Henry III chose Edmund de Lacy, her future father-in-law, to be her guardian. A guardian is someone who looks after a young person and their property. However, Edmund de Lacy died suddenly in 1258. The King then appointed two new guardians for Margaret: Margaret de Quincy and Alésia of Saluzzo, who was Edmund's widow. Margaret Longespée and Henry de Lacy were married in 1257.

Margaret's Family and Children

Margaret and Henry de Lacy had at least three children together. Their children were:

• Edmund de Lacy (who died in 1308)
• John de Lacy
• Alice de Lacy (who lived from 1281 to 1348)

Sadly, both of Margaret's sons, Edmund and John, died in accidents. They did not have any children of their own. This meant that Margaret's daughter, Alice, became the main heir to the family's titles and lands. Alice later married a very important noble named Thomas of Lancaster.