The Turbulent Life And Tragic End Of The Last Plantagenet | Margaret Pole

History's Forgotten People26 minutes read

Margaret Pole, a Plantagenet, faced a tragic life filled with political turmoil and personal hardships, culminating in her unjust execution for treason in 1541 despite previous support from King Henry. Despite her notable achievements and resilience, Margaret's life ended tragically and brutally, leaving her remembered as a martyr for her loyalty and unwavering support.

Insights

  • Despite facing numerous challenges and tragedies in her life, Margaret Pole, a Plantagenet, managed her estate effectively, held a peerage in her own right, and supported her children's advancement, showcasing her resilience and capabilities as a woman in the 16th century England.
  • Margaret's unwavering loyalty to her beliefs and support for Queen Catherine and her son Reginald's opposition to Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn ultimately led to her tragic execution for treason in 1541, highlighting the ruthless and unpredictable nature of political power dynamics during that time period.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Margaret Pole?

    Margaret Pole was a Plantagenet who faced a tragic death despite not seeking the English throne herself.

  • What challenges did Margaret Pole face?

    Margaret Pole faced challenges such as financial struggles, personal losses, and accusations of treason.

  • How was Margaret Pole remembered?

    Margaret Pole was remembered as a martyr due to her unjust execution for treason.

  • What was Margaret Pole's family background?

    Margaret Pole was born into the Plantagenet family, facing tragedies and challenges due to her family connections.

  • How did Margaret Pole's life unfold?

    Margaret Pole's life was marked by personal losses, financial struggles, accusations of treason, and a tragic end.

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Summary

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Margaret Pole: Tragic Plantagenet Life

  • Margaret Pole, a Plantagenet, faced a tragic death despite not seeking the English throne herself.
  • Born on August 14, 1473, at Farley Castle near B, to George Plantagenet and Isabelle Neville.
  • George, known for his violent temper, accused Isabelle's lady-in-waiting of poisoning her after her death in 1476.
  • Isabelle's death led to George's failed attempt to marry Mary of Burgundy, causing tension with King Edward IV.
  • George's accusations of treason against others led to his own conviction and execution in 1478.
  • Margaret and her brother Edward lost their father's lands due to his attainder, forcing them to live with royal cousins.
  • Edward V's disappearance led to Richard III claiming the throne, sending Margaret and Edward to Sheriff Hutton Castle.
  • Richard III's death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 led to Henry VII becoming king, marrying Elizabeth of York.
  • Margaret married Richard Pole in 1487, a loyal supporter of Henry VII, and they had several children together.
  • Margaret faced further challenges after the deaths of her brother Edward and husband Richard, leading to financial struggles and decisions to give her son to the church.

17:42

Margaret Solsbury: Countess, Scholar, Martyr

  • Margaret Solsbury became Countess of Salsbury, inheriting her brother's lands after his death, paying 5,000 marks for her restoration.
  • She was the first woman in 16th century England to hold a peerage in her own right, managing her estate effectively and employing women in various roles.
  • Margaret's children benefited from her restoration, with her son Arthur becoming a gentleman of Henry's privy chamber and her daughter Ursula marrying into wealth.
  • Margaret was well-educated, patronizing humanist scholars and associating with them, supported by her son Reginald.
  • Despite her success at court, Margaret fell out of favor with King Henry over a land dispute in 1518, leading to a rift between them.
  • Margaret became Mary's governess in 1520, forming a close bond with the princess, but faced challenges due to her support for Queen Catherine.
  • Margaret's son Reginald's opposition to Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn led to his exile and involvement in rebellions against the king.
  • Margaret and her family faced accusations of treason, leading to their arrest and imprisonment in the Tower of London, with her son Henry executed for treason.
  • Margaret's sudden execution for treason in 1541, despite previous support from Henry, was a brutal and unjust end to her life, leading to her being remembered as a martyr.
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