Elizabeth Woodville

Elizabeth Woodville, also known as Dame Elizabeth Grey, was Queen of England from 1 May 1464 until 3 October 1470 and again from 11 April 1471 until 9 April 1483. She was the wife of King Edward IV.

Elizabeth was born into a family of middle rank in the English social hierarchy. Her mother, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, was related to King Henry VI. Before marrying Edward IV, Elizabeth was already a widow with two young sons.

Her marriage to Edward IV in 1464 was kept secret at first. This marriage made Elizabeth the first queen in England since the Norman Conquest to be one of her own people. The couple had ten children together.

Elizabeth played an important role in the Wars of the Roses, a civil war between the Lancastrian and Yorkist families.

After Edward IV died, Elizabeth stayed important in politics. Her daughter, Elizabeth of York, later married Henry VII, helping to end the Wars of the Roses and begin the Tudor dynasty. Through her daughter, Elizabeth Woodville became the grandmother of the future Henry VIII.

Early life and first marriage

Elizabeth Woodville was born around 1437 in Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire. She was the first child of Richard Woodville and Jacquetta of Luxembourg. Her parents’ marriage was unusual because her mother was from a very important family, but her father was not as high in rank. They married in secret and later received forgiveness from the king.

When Elizabeth was about 15, she married John Grey of Groby. Sadly, he died in a battle in 1461 while fighting for the Lancastrian side. Elizabeth had two sons from this marriage, Thomas Grey and Richard Grey.

Queen consort

Edward IV married Elizabeth Woodville in secret in 1464, just three years after becoming king. Only a few people knew about the wedding. He introduced her as queen later that year.

Elizabeth was crowned queen in 1465. Her family became important, with many of her relatives marrying into noble families. Some people were unhappy because Elizabeth came from a less noble background. There were conflicts with her family and political rivals. After Edward was temporarily overthrown, Elizabeth stayed safe in Westminster Abbey and had a son there. She and Edward had ten children in total. Elizabeth also supported religious activities and helped start a chapel in Westminster Abbey.

Queen dowager

After King Edward IV passed away in April 1483, Elizabeth became known as the queen dowager. Her young son, Edward V, became king, and his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, acted as Lord Protector. During this time, Elizabeth and her children stayed safe in a special place called sanctuary.

Richard took control and made many changes. He arrested some of Elizabeth’s family members. Sadly, two of them, Richard Grey and Anthony, Earl Rivers, were executed. Richard later claimed that Elizabeth was planning to harm him. Because of these events, Richard became King Richard III, and Edward V and his brother, Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, stayed in the Tower of London. After that, they were never seen again. Elizabeth lost many of her royal lands but got some of them back a few years later.

Life under Richard III

Elizabeth Woodville, now called Dame Elizabeth Grey, worked with Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham and Margaret Stanley (also known as Margaret Beaufort) to support the claim of Margaret’s son, Henry Tudor. Henry Tudor was a close relative of King Edward III and had a strong claim to the throne. They planned for Henry Tudor to marry Elizabeth of York, Elizabeth Woodville’s eldest daughter, who became the heir of the House of York after her brothers passed away.

In 1484, Richard III took away the lands Elizabeth had when her husband Edward IV was king. But Elizabeth and her daughters left their hiding place after Richard III promised they would not be hurt or put in prison. He also promised to help them get married to noblemen and gave Elizabeth money every year. Later, after Richard III’s wife Anne Neville died, there were rumors he might marry Elizabeth of York himself, though he was also talking to others about possible marriages for her.

Life under Henry VII

In 1485, Henry Tudor became king after winning the Battle of Bosworth Field. He married Elizabeth of York. Elizabeth Woodville, the former queen, was treated with respect and given the title of a queen dowager.

Elizabeth Woodville chose to live her last years at Bermondsey Abbey. Some think King Henry VII asked her to leave the court. Others believe she wanted a quieter, more peaceful life there. She was treated well and received money and gifts from the king each year.

She was happy to watch her family grow, including the birth of her grandson, the future Henry VIII. Her daughter Elizabeth of York, the queen, visited her sometimes. Another daughter, Cecily of York, visited more often.

Elizabeth Woodville died at Bermondsey Abbey in 1492. Her funeral was simple, just as she wanted, and she was buried next to her husband, King Edward IV, in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Issue

Elizabeth Woodville had children from two marriages.

With her first husband, John Grey, she had a son named Thomas Grey. He held important titles and had children. Another son, Richard Grey, sadly passed away.

With her second husband, King Edward IV, Elizabeth had several children. Her daughter Elizabeth of York later became queen and was the mother of King Henry VIII. Another daughter, Mary of York, passed away when she was young. Two of her sons, Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, were known as the Princes in the Tower. Elizabeth had other children who lived full lives and started their own families.

In literature

Elizabeth Woodville has inspired many books and poems. One famous poem, “My heart is set upon a lusty pin,” is thought to be written by her. It is one of only three poems from Middle English known to be written by a woman.

She also appears in several novels and plays. For example, she is a character in two of William Shakespeare’s plays: Henry VI Part 3 and Richard III. She shows up in many historical fiction books as well, written by authors like Philippa Gregory and Sharon Kay Penman.

Media portrayals

Elizabeth Woodville has appeared in many films and television shows. Some of these include Richard III from different years, Jane Shore, Tower of London, Looking for Richard, The White Queen, and The White Princess. She was also in a musical called A Mother's War.

Schools named after Elizabeth Woodville

There are schools named after Elizabeth Woodville. One is Elizabeth Woodville Primary School in Groby, Leicestershire. It opened in 1971. Another is Elizabeth Woodville Secondary School in Roade, Northamptonshire. It was established in 2011.

Arms

Elizabeth Woodville was known as Dame Elizabeth Grey before she married King Edward IV. She became Queen of England on 1 May 1464 and ruled until 3 October 1470. She became queen again on 11 April 1471 and ruled until 9 April 1483. Her family was of middle rank in English society when she was born. Her mother, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, was related to King Henry VI through marriage.