Margaret of York, English princess (d. 1472)

In the bustling, often perilous world of 15th-century English royalty, a child named Margaret of York briefly graced the Plantagenet court. Born to King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville on 10 April 1472, her short life, spanning just eight months, offers a poignant glimpse into the realities of the era, even for those born into privilege. She was the fifth child and fourth daughter of the reigning monarch, making her a princess of England.

Notably, Margaret was the namesake niece of a far more prominent figure: Margaret of York, Duchess of Burgundy. This familial connection, linking her to a powerful European court through her paternal aunt, underscored her royal lineage, though her own life would not allow her to forge such ties. Her siblings included future monarchs and influential figures of their time: she was a younger sister to Elizabeth of York (who would become queen consort to Henry VII), Mary of York, Cecily of York, and the ill-fated Edward V of England. Her younger siblings were Richard of Shrewsbury, 1st Duke of York (another of the 'Princes in the Tower'), Anne of York, George Plantagenet, Duke of Bedford, Catherine of York, and Bridget of York.

A Life Briefly Lived

Princess Margaret was born in the historic confines of Winchester Castle, a significant royal residence. However, her life was tragically cut short, as she passed away on 11 December 1472, just eight months after her birth. Her passing, attributed to natural causes, was a sad yet not uncommon occurrence during an era marked by high infant mortality rates, even within royal households where the best medical care of the time was available. The loss of a child, even a royal one, was a somber reality faced by many families in the 15th century.

Her Final Resting Place: Westminster Abbey

Following her death, Margaret of York was laid to rest in the venerable Westminster Abbey, the traditional resting place for English monarchs and their kin. This iconic edifice, steeped in centuries of history and ceremony, served as the solemn backdrop for her entombment. Her sarcophagus was initially placed with a position of honour, designed to fit into the steps leading to the shrine of Saint Edward the Confessor, a revered Anglo-Saxon king and patron saint of England. This placement reflected her high status as a daughter of the reigning king.

The Relocation of Her Tomb

Centuries later, during the tumultuous period of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century under King Henry VIII, many religious institutions across England faced profound changes, including the alteration and relocation of monuments and burial sites. This era, marked by significant religious and political upheaval, saw Margaret's sarcophagus moved from its original prominent position. It was relocated to the edge of the chapel, a more peripheral spot within the Abbey. Despite this move, a subtle architectural detail remains: the step edging that originally framed her sarcophagus around its sides can still be observed, a silent testament to its former placement.

The Enduring Legacy of Her Tomb

Over the centuries, the physical aspects of Margaret of York's tomb have undergone further changes. An annotated history held within Westminster Abbey's own library records a fascinating detail: in more modern times, the lid of her sarcophagus was removed, revealing that the sarcophagus itself was empty. While it might seem unsettling to find a royal tomb empty, this discovery highlights the passage of time and the various interventions that have shaped the Abbey over centuries, from periods of repair to acts of historical inquiry, and sometimes, the simple fading away of physical remains. Furthermore, the monumental brass that once adorned the top of Margaret's tomb, typically engraved with an effigy or inscription, has long since vanished. However, historical records have meticulously preserved the original wording that was inscribed around the edge and on the surface plaque of her tomb, ensuring that her memory, though fleeting in life, endures through scholarly documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Margaret of York?

Margaret of York was the fifth child and fourth daughter of King Edward IV of England and Queen Elizabeth Woodville. She was also the namesake niece of Margaret of York, Duchess of Burgundy.

How long did Margaret of York live?

She lived for a very short period, born on 10 April 1472 and dying on 11 December 1472, making her just eight months old at the time of her passing.

What caused her death?

Margaret of York died of natural causes, a common occurrence for infants in the 15th century due to the lack of advanced medical understanding and treatment.

Where was Margaret of York buried?

She was buried in Westminster Abbey, the traditional burial place for English monarchs and members of the royal family.

Why was her sarcophagus moved?

Her sarcophagus was moved from its original position by the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor to the edge of the chapel during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, a period of significant religious and political upheaval in England.

Is Margaret of York's sarcophagus still intact and where she was buried?

Her sarcophagus is still within Westminster Abbey, though it was moved from its original placement. Historically, it was found to be empty, and the monumental brass that once adorned it is now missing.

What information do we have about her tomb?

Although the sarcophagus is empty and the brass missing, historical records from the Abbey's library confirm its original inscription and placement, preserving details about her resting place.