Deaths on January 11

Eleanor of Lancaster, English noblewoman (b. 1318)

Eleanor of Lancaster, Countess of Arundel, a prominent figure in 14th-century English nobility sometimes referred to as Eleanor Plantagenet, was born on 11 September 1318 and died on 11 January 1372. Her life spanned a dynamic period of medieval English history, characterized by political intrigue and the early stages of the Hundred Years' War. She was the fifth daughter of the immensely powerful and influential Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, and his wife, Maud Chaworth, positioning her at the very heart of the English aristocratic and royal landscape.

Early Life and Illustrious Parentage

Born into one of the most distinguished families of the Plantagenet era, Eleanor's lineage was impeccable. Her father, Henry of Lancaster, 3rd Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, was a crucial magnate and a leading figure during the tumultuous reigns of King Edward II and his son, King Edward III. Henry was himself a grandson of King Henry III through his father, Edmund Crouchback, 1st Earl of Lancaster, who was a younger son of the monarch. This direct royal ancestry is precisely why Eleanor was occasionally known as Eleanor Plantagenet, underscoring her close kinship to the ruling dynasty. Her mother, Maud Chaworth, brought significant landed wealth and an ancient noble heritage to the already formidable Lancaster family, further solidifying their power and influence across England.

Marriages and Powerful Alliances

Eleanor of Lancaster's life was significantly defined by her two strategic and influential marriages, which forged strong alliances between some of England's leading noble houses.

• First Marriage: John de Beaumont, 2nd Baron Beaumont

  Her first marriage was to John de Beaumont, 2nd Baron Beaumont (c. 1318–1342). This union, though relatively brief due to John's early death, produced a son, Henry de Beaumont, 3rd Baron Beaumont (c. 1340–1369). This match linked Eleanor to the influential Beaumont family, who held significant lands and power in the north of England and played roles in Anglo-Scottish affairs.

• Second Marriage: Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel

  Following John de Beaumont's death, Eleanor married one of the wealthiest and most powerful noblemen of her time, Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel (1306–1376), who was also the 8th Earl of Surrey through his mother. This marriage, which occurred in 1344, created a formidable dynastic connection, elevating Eleanor to the status of Countess of Arundel. Richard FitzAlan was a prominent military commander and a trusted counsellor of King Edward III, serving in various campaigns during the Hundred Years' War. Together, Eleanor and Richard had numerous children, ensuring the continuation of the powerful Arundel line and further extending Eleanor's extensive network of aristocratic connections. Among their children was Richard FitzAlan, who would succeed his father as the 11th Earl of Arundel, maintaining the family's preeminence.

A Life in 14th-Century England

Living from 1318 to 1372, Eleanor of Lancaster experienced many of the dramatic events that shaped 14th-century England. She was a witness to the deposition of Edward II, the rise of Edward III, and the initial phases of the Hundred Years' War against France. As a high-ranking noblewoman, she would have managed vast household affairs, patronized religious institutions, and engaged in the social and political life of the court and her husband's estates. Her survival through the devastating Black Death, which swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, is also noteworthy, highlighting the resilience required of the nobility during such challenging times.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Eleanor of Lancaster's enduring significance lies primarily in her strategic position within the English aristocracy. Through her birth, she possessed direct Plantagenet royal lineage, making her a cousin to kings and a vital link in the royal family tree. Her two marriages further cemented her position, connecting the powerful Lancaster family with the influential Beaumont and, most notably, the immensely wealthy and politically active FitzAlan Earls of Arundel. Her descendants would continue to play crucial roles in English history, ensuring her legacy as a key figure in the intricate web of medieval noble power and influence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eleanor of Lancaster

Who was Eleanor of Lancaster?

Eleanor of Lancaster, also known as Eleanor Plantagenet, was a prominent English noblewoman of the 14th century, recognized for her direct royal lineage through her father, Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, and her influential marriages to leading aristocrats.

What was Eleanor of Lancaster's connection to the royal family?

Eleanor was the daughter of Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, who was a grandson of King Henry III of England. This lineage made Eleanor a great-granddaughter of Henry III, firmly establishing her as a member of the extended Plantagenet royal family.

Who were Eleanor of Lancaster's parents?

Her parents were Henry of Lancaster, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, a powerful and influential magnate, and Maud Chaworth. Henry was a first cousin to King Edward II and played a significant role in English politics during the reigns of Edward II and Edward III.

Who did Eleanor of Lancaster marry?

Eleanor was married twice. Her first husband was John de Beaumont, 2nd Baron Beaumont. After his death, she married Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel, one of the wealthiest and most powerful noblemen in England during their time.

When did Eleanor of Lancaster live?

Eleanor of Lancaster was born on 11 September 1318 and passed away on 11 January 1372. Her life spanned a significant and often turbulent period in English history, including the early decades of the Hundred Years' War and the impact of the Black Death.