Maud FitzJohn, Countess of Warwick facts for kids

Maud FitzJohn, Countess of Warwick (born around 1238 – died April 1301) was an important English noblewoman. She was the oldest daughter of John FitzGeoffrey, who was the Lord of Shere. Maud's second husband was William de Beauchamp, 9th Earl of Warwick, a very famous soldier. Through her daughter, Isabella, Maud was the grandmother of Hugh the younger Despenser. Hugh was a powerful but disliked advisor to King Edward II of England.

Maud's Early Life and Family

Maud was born in a place called Shere, in Surrey, England, around the year 1238. She was the oldest daughter of John FitzGeoffrey, who was the Lord of Shere. Her father also held a very important job as the King's chief judge in Ireland, known as the Justiciar of Ireland. Maud's mother was Isabel le Bigod.

Maud had two brothers named John FitzJohn and Richard FitzJohn. She also had three younger sisters: Aveline, Joan, and Isabel. From her mother's first marriage, Maud had three half-siblings: Walter de Lacy, Margery de Lacy, and Maud de Lacy, Baroness Geneville.

Marriages and Children

Maud FitzJohn was married twice in her life.

First Marriage

Maud first married Gerald de Furnivall, who was the Lord of Hallamshire. We don't know exactly when they got married. They had one daughter together named Loretta. Gerald passed away in 1261.

Second Marriage and Becoming a Countess

After Gerald's death, Maud married her second husband, William de Beauchamp, 9th Earl of Warwick. He was a well-known and respected soldier. When they got married, Maud became known as the Countess of Warwick.

Maud and William had at least two children:

• Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick (born 1270 or 1271 – died 1315). He later became the Earl of Warwick, just like his father. In 1310, Guy married Alice de Toeni, and they had seven children together.
• Isabella de Beauchamp (died before 1306). Isabella married twice. Her first husband was Sir Patrick de Chaworth, and they had a daughter named Maud. Isabella's second husband was Hugh le Despenser. They had four children, including Hugh Despenser the younger. This Hugh Despenser became a very powerful, but unpopular, advisor to King Edward II. He faced a severe punishment in 1326, shortly after his father did.

Maud FitzJohn passed away between April 16 and 18, 1301. She was buried at a church belonging to the Friars Minor in Worcester.