Mary of Enghien facts for kids

Mary of Enghien, also known as Maria d'Enghien (born in 1367 or 1370, died May 9, 1446), was an important noblewoman in Italy. She was the Countess of Lecce for many years, from 1384 to 1446. She also became the Queen of Naples when she married King Ladislaus. She was known for her bravery and strength.

Mary of Enghien: A Royal Journey

Her Early Years and Family

Mary was likely born in Lecce, a city in southern Italy. Her father was John of Enghien, who was the Count of Castro. Her mother was Sancia Del Balzo.

Mary's grandmother, Isabella, Countess of Brienne, was a very important noblewoman. She inherited many lands and titles, including being the Countess of Lecce. Isabella decided to share her lands with her children. Mary's father, John, received the County of Lecce and the lordship of Castro.

Becoming the Countess of Lecce

Mary's father, John, passed away in 1380. His son, Mary's brother Peter of Enghien, became the Count of Lecce. However, Peter died without children in 1384. This meant that Mary became the Countess of Lecce.

In the same year, Mary married Raimondo del Balzo Orsini di Nola in Taranto. He became the Prince of Taranto through her family's rights. People at the time described Mary as beautiful, brave, and adventurous. She was loved by her first husband and adored by her children.

Mary often stayed in her castles in Lecce and Copertino. Meanwhile, Raimondo traveled and served the king. Mary and Raimondo had four children: Marias, Caterina, Giovanni Antonio, and Gabriele. Raimondo passed away in 1406.

Queen of Naples

After Raimondo's death, Mary was living in Taranto. King Ladislaus of Naples attacked her castle in 1406. Mary bravely defended it against his troops. Eventually, King Ladislaus decided to propose marriage to her instead of fighting.

Mary was forced to marry King Ladislaus. Their wedding took place in the chapel of the Castle of Taranto. Mary and Ladislaus did not have any children together.

King Ladislaus died on August 6, 1414. His sister, Joanna II of Naples, became the new queen. Queen Joan II did not like Mary and even put her in prison for a short time. However, Joan's husband soon allowed Mary to leave.

Mary returned to Lecce. Queen Joan had taken away Mary's royal lands and titles, sending her back to her family's original territories. Mary lived a long life, passing away at the age of 78 in Lecce.

She lived to see her granddaughter, Isabella of Clermont, get married in 1444. Isabella was an important heiress with many lands in southern Italy. She married Ferdinand of Aragon, who later became King of Naples.

Mary's Children

A copy of The Battle of Anghiari by Leonardo da Vinci. Some believe the knight on the right is Giovanni Orsini, Mary's son.

Mary had several children with her first husband, Raimondo del Balzo Orsini:

• Maria del Balzo Orsini (died after 1410). She married Antonio di Acquaviva, the Duke of Atri, but they had no children.
• Caterina del Balzo Orsini, also known as Catherine of Taranto. She married Bartholomew Tristan of Clermont, a French knight. Tristan became the Count of Copertino because of the lands Catherine brought to the marriage.
• Giovanni Antonio del Balzo Orsini, who became the Prince of Taranto. He died without children in 1463. His niece, Isabella, inherited his lands.
• Gabriele del Balzo Orsini (died 1453). He was the Count of Ugento and Duke of Venosa. He married Giovanna Caracciolo del Sole.