Births on February 2

Maud Chaworth, Countess of Leicester.

Maud de Chaworth: A Pivotal Medieval English Noblewoman and Heiress

Maud de Chaworth, born on 2 February 1282 and passing away on 3 December 1322, was a highly significant figure in late 13th and early 14th century English aristocracy. As a prominent noblewoman and an exceptionally wealthy heiress, her life and lineage were intricately woven into the fabric of medieval English politics and power structures.

The Extensive Inheritance of a Sole Heir

Maud's immense wealth and status stemmed from being the only surviving child and heir of Patrick de Chaworth, a powerful Anglo-Norman baron. Patrick de Chaworth, Lord of Kidwelly, held vast estates predominantly situated in Wales and the Welsh Marches. Upon his death, Maud inherited a substantial portfolio of lands, including strategically important strongholds such as Kidwelly Castle in Carmarthenshire and Ogmore Castle in Glamorgan. These holdings, particularly in the turbulent Welsh Marches, were not only economically valuable but also carried significant military and political importance, making her a truly coveted marital prospect in an era when land equalled power.

A Strategic Dynastic Union with the House of Lancaster

Her marriage, a quintessential medieval dynastic alliance, took place sometime before 2 March 1297. Maud was united with Henry of Lancaster, who would later become the 3rd Earl of Lancaster. This union was of paramount importance, as Henry was a grandson of King Henry III of England and the younger brother of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, one of the wealthiest and most powerful magnates in the realm. The marriage of Maud de Chaworth, with her extensive and valuable inheritance, to a prince of the blood royal significantly augmented the already formidable wealth, influence, and territorial reach of the House of Lancaster. Henry himself would rise to become a central figure in English politics, particularly during the tumultuous reign of Edward II and the subsequent regency for Edward III.

The Progeny of Lancaster: Maud's Children and Enduring Legacy

Together, Maud and Henry established a large and influential family, having seven children who would go on to form crucial connections within the English nobility, further solidifying the position of the Lancaster dynasty. Their children included:

• Blanche of Lancaster (c. 1305–1380), who married Thomas Wake, 2nd Baron Wake of Liddell.
• Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310–1361), who became one of the most distinguished English commanders of the Hundred Years' War and was elevated to the first Duke of Lancaster. He was a key figure in the reign of Edward III.
• Matilda of Lancaster (c. 1313–1377), who married William I, Duke of Bavaria, Count of Hainaut, and Holland.
• Joan of Lancaster (c. 1312–1345), who married John de Mowbray, 3rd Baron Mowbray.
• Isabel of Lancaster (c. 1317–1349), who became a prioress at Amesbury Priory.
• Eleanor of Lancaster (c. 1318–1372), who married first John de Beaumont, 2nd Baron Beaumont, and then Richard FitzAlan, 3rd Earl of Arundel.
• Mary of Lancaster (c. 1320–1362), who married Henry de Percy, 3rd Baron Percy, and was the mother of the famous Harry Hotspur.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maud de Chaworth

Who was Maud de Chaworth?

Maud de Chaworth (1282–1322) was a prominent English noblewoman and one of the wealthiest heiresses of her time. She was the only child of Patrick de Chaworth, Lord of Kidwelly, and inherited vast estates in Wales and the Welsh Marches.

What made Maud de Chaworth a "wealthy heiress"?

As the sole heir of her father, Patrick de Chaworth, she inherited extensive lands and lordships, including strategically important castles like Kidwelly and Ogmore. This considerable inheritance, particularly in the valuable and contested Welsh Marches, made her a highly desirable match in medieval aristocratic society, as land was the primary source of wealth and power.

Who was Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster?

Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster (c. 1281–1345), was Maud de Chaworth's husband. He was a significant figure in English nobility, being a grandson of King Henry III and the younger brother of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. Henry succeeded his brother as Earl and became a leading political figure during the reigns of Edward II and Edward III.

How many children did Maud de Chaworth have?

Maud de Chaworth and Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, had seven children: Blanche, Henry of Grosmont (who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster), Matilda, Joan, Isabel, Eleanor, and Mary. Their descendants played crucial roles in English history and nobility.