Margaret Wake, 3rd Baroness Wake of Liddell facts for kids

Margaret Wake was an important English noblewoman who lived a long time ago, from about 1297 to 1349. She was known as the 3rd Baroness Wake of Liddell in her own right, meaning she inherited the title herself. She was also the Countess of Kent because she married Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent. Edmund was the youngest son of Edward I of England, a famous king, and Queen Margaret of France.

Family Background

Margaret was the daughter of John Wake, 1st Baron Wake of Liddell. Her mother was Joan de Fiennes. Through her grandmother, Hawise de Quincy, Margaret was related to Llywelyn the Great, a powerful Welsh prince. She was also connected to John I of England, an English king.

Her Marriages

Margaret first married John Comyn (c. 1294-1314) around 1312. Sadly, John died in a battle called the Battle of Bannockburn. Their only child, Aymer Comyn, also died when he was very young.

Later, Margaret married for a second time to Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent. They got special permission to marry in October 1325. Their wedding likely took place around Christmas that year.

Through her marriage to Edmund, Margaret became the mother of several children. These included two sons who briefly held the title of Earl of Kent. She also had a daughter named Joan of Kent, who later married Edward, the Black Prince, a very famous English prince.

Life After Edmund's Death

Edmund of Woodstock was executed in 1330. After his death, Margaret, who was pregnant, and her children were kept at Salisbury Castle. Margaret's brother, Thomas Wake, 2nd Baron Wake of Liddell, was accused of a serious crime but was later forgiven.

When King Edward III of England became old enough to rule on his own, he took care of Margaret and her children. He treated them like his own family. Margaret briefly became the Baroness Wake of Liddell in 1349. However, she sadly died that same year during a terrible outbreak of the Black Death, a widespread disease.

Famous Descendants

Margaret and Edmund's grandchildren included Thomas Holland, 2nd Earl of Kent. Through Thomas, their family line led to many important people. These included English kings like Edward IV of England and Henry VII of England. Every English monarch from King Henry VIII onwards is a descendant of Margaret and Edmund. Their family also connects to every king of Scotland from James II.

Depictions in Stories

Margaret is a character in some historical fiction novels.

• She appears in The First Princess of Wales by Karen Harper. This book tells a made-up story about her daughter, Joan of Kent, at the English court.
• Margaret is also a character in the 2014 novel A Triple Knot by Emma Campion. This book mainly focuses on her daughter, Joan of Kent, and her secret marriage.