Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Consort

Elizabeth Woodville was born in Grafton, Northamptonshire in 1437. A daughter of Jaquetta Duchess of Bedford and Richard Woodville. Firstly married to Sir John Grey, Elizabeth Woodville later married King Edward IV and became Queen Consort of England. The marriage was controversial. It had taken place, in 1464, in secret, and Elizabeth was not considered a suitable match for a King.

Elizabeth Woodville as Queen Consort

Elizabeth’s Queenship is remembered largely for the impact that the advancement of her family had on national politics. It contributed to the revolt of the Earl of Warwick and Duke of Clarence in 1469, and continued to be a source of unease into her husbands second reign. On two occasions as Queen, Elizabeth found herself having to seek refuge in the Santuary at Westminster. Firstly, during the readeption of King Henry VI, during which time the future King Edward V was born. Secondly, Elizabeth sought refuge upon Edward V’s accession, as there were fears for her safety at that time.

Accession crisis of 1483

The accession of her eldest son from her union with King Edward IV proved to be one of the most tumultuous periods in English Royal History. Her son was proclaimed King of England and preparations began for his Coronation. At the same time, Elizabeth and her other children by King Edward IV remained in Sanctuary. The Protector of England at the time, Richard Duke of Gloucester, persuaded Elizabeth to release Richard of Shrewsbury [Duke of York and Norfolk, second eldest son from her union with Edward IV] from sanctuary. Shortly afterwards, her marriage was declared to be illegal and the children born of her union with King Edward IV were deemed to be illegitimate and therefore ineligible to inherit the Crown.

Elizabeth Woodville’s alliance with Margaret Beaufort

Following the accession of Richard III in place of her son as King of England, Elizabeth Woodville formed an alliance of sorts with Lady Margaret Beaufort. This supported the claim of Lady Margaret’s son, Henry Tudor, to the throne. It saw an agreement that should Henry be successful in seizing the throne from Richard III, that he would marry Elizabeth of York, eldest of the daughters born to Elizabeth and King Edward IV.

This agreement tied the Woodville affinity and their supporters to the claim of the Tudors. In doing so, it provided additional support for Henry’s plans. It also disrupted Richard III’s attempts to maintain peace and the safety of his borders. When Henry Tudor did invade and seize the crown by right of conquest, the agreement of Elizabeth Woodville and lady Margaret Beaufort was honoured. The marriage of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York united the rival families in an attempt to ensure a peaceful transition into power.

Books about Elizabeth Woodville

Ashdown-Hill, John. Elizabeth Widville, Lady Grey: Edward IV’s Chief Mistress and the ‘Pink Queen’

Gregory, Philippa. Baldwin, David. Jones, Michael. The Women of the Cousins’ War: The Duchess, the Queen and the King’s Mother

Licence, Amy. Edward IV & Elizabeth Woodville: A True Romance

Elizabeth Woodville: Links

British Museum – the British Museum has a wide range of items relating to Queen Elizabeth Woodville available via their online archives.

History Extra -Elizabeth Woodville: Edward IV’s controversial queen consort.

National Portrait Gallery – Series of portraits held by the National Portrait Gallery in which Elizabeth Woodville is depicted.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography – Detailed biography of Queen Elizabeth [nee Woodville].

Professor Sarah Peverley – selection of articles relating to Elizabeth Woodville authored by Professor Paverley.

Queens’ College, Cambridge – Biography and items held in the College archive relating to Elizabeth Woodville, who was a patron of the College.