Births on January 14

Anne St Leger, Baroness de Ros, English baroness (d. 1526)

Anne St Leger, later known as Baroness de Ros, was a pivotal figure in late 15th and early 16th century English nobility, whose life spanned an era of profound political upheaval and dynastic change. Born on 14 January 1476, she was a niece to two kings of England, Edward IV and Richard III, placing her at the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty during the turbulent Wars of the Roses.

Her life, though marked by significant personal milestones, was deeply intertwined with the shifting fortunes of her powerful royal family. She passed away on 21 April 1526, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in historical and scientific contexts.

A Royal Lineage and Early Life Turbulence

Anne St Leger's remarkable royal connection stemmed from her mother, Anne of York, who was the eldest sister of both Edward IV and Richard III. Anne of York, Duchess of Exeter, died on the very day of Anne St Leger's birth, 14 January 1476. Her father was Sir Thomas St Leger, a prominent knight and a loyal supporter of her uncle, Edward IV.

Despite her prestigious birthright, Anne's early years were characterized by a dramatic reversal of fortune. Before she reached her eighth birthday, she had inherited what could have been a vast fortune, but was subsequently disinherited of it. This significant event occurred in the tumultuous political landscape following the death of Edward IV in 1483 and the accession of Richard III. Her father, Sir Thomas St Leger, participated in the Duke of Buckingham's rebellion against Richard III later that year. Upon the rebellion's failure, Sir Thomas was captured and executed in November 1483. As a direct consequence of his attainder for treason, his lands and all associated claims were forfeited to the Crown. This act effectively stripped Anne, then a young child, of the significant inheritance and material security she might otherwise have expected, marking her as a casualty of the era's relentless power struggles.

Marriage, Family, and Enduring Lineage

At the tender age of 14, Anne St Leger was married, a common practice for noblewomen of her time. Her husband was George Manners, the 11th Baron Ros. This union was strategically important, solidifying connections between her royal lineage and a prominent noble family. Their marriage was notably prolific; Anne bore an impressive eleven children. While a large family was often seen as a blessing and a way to secure dynastic continuity, it also reflected the high fertility rates of the period, often coupled with high infant and child mortality. Anne's ability to raise so many children to adulthood speaks to her resilience and the strength of her family life amidst the prevailing challenges of the age.

Her numerous descendants ensured the continuation of her genetic line, a fact that would become historically crucial centuries later.

The Pivotal Link in Richard III's Identification

Perhaps Anne St Leger's most enduring historical significance lies in her unique role as a critical link in the maternal line that was used to identify the remains of King Richard III. Discovered beneath a Leicester car park in 2012, the skeleton was a subject of intense public and scientific interest. To confirm its identity, scientists employed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents, mtDNA is passed down exclusively from mother to child through an unbroken female line.

Anne St Leger was the great-great-great-grandniece of Richard III, descending directly from his eldest sister, Anne of York. This unbroken maternal lineage through Anne St Leger's descendants provided the crucial genetic link required for forensic identification. Researchers traced this line through 17 generations, ultimately locating Michael Ibsen, a Canadian furniture maker and direct maternal descendant of Anne St Leger. His mitochondrial DNA was sampled and compared with that extracted from the ancient remains. The match provided conclusive scientific evidence, alongside skeletal analysis and historical context, confirming the identity of the remains as those of King Richard III in 2013, over 500 years after his death at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Anne St Leger's life, therefore, became an unforeseen bridge between medieval royalty and modern forensic science.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anne St Leger

Who was Anne St Leger's mother?

Anne St Leger's mother was Anne of York, the eldest sister of King Edward IV and King Richard III.

Why was Anne St Leger disinherited?

Anne St Leger was effectively disinherited due to her father, Sir Thomas St Leger, being attained and executed for treason in 1483 after supporting a rebellion against King Richard III. This led to the forfeiture of his estates to the Crown, impacting her expected inheritance.

How many children did Anne St Leger have?

Anne St Leger had eleven children with her husband, George Manners, the 11th Baron Ros.

What was Anne St Leger's significance in identifying Richard III?

Anne St Leger served as a crucial link in the unbroken maternal line used for mitochondrial DNA testing to identify the remains of King Richard III. Her direct descendant, Michael Ibsen, provided the DNA sample that matched the ancient remains.

What is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is genetic material found in the mitochondria of cells. It is unique because it is inherited exclusively from the mother, making it valuable for tracing maternal lineages over many generations, as was done in the case of Richard III's identification.