Elizabeth of Lancaster, Duchess of Exeter
| Elizabeth of Lancaster | |
|---|---|
| Duchess of Exeter | |
| Born | c. 1363–1364 Burford, Shropshire |
| Died | 24 November 1426 (aged c. 61–63) |
| Burial | Burford Church, Shropshire |
| Spouse |
John Hastings, 3rd Earl of Pembroke m. 1380; ann. 1383 John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter m. 1386; dec. 1400 John Cornwall, 1st Baron Fanhope m. aft. 1400; wid. 1426 |
| Issue | Constance Holland Elizabeth Holland Alice Holland, Countess of Oxford John Holland, 2nd Duke of Exeter Sir Edward Holland Constance Cornwall, Countess of Arundel |
| House | Lancaster |
| Father | John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster |
| Mother | Blanche of Lancaster |
Elizabeth of Lancaster (bf. 21 February 1363 – 24 November 1426) was the third child of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his first wife Blanche of Lancaster.
Some sources list her as having been born after 1 January 1363, but prior to 21 February 1363. She was born in Burford, Shropshire. In her childhood, she was raised in her father's royal household under Katherine Swynford, whom she held in high regard. She grew up a headstrong and spirited young woman compared to her more serious elder sister.
On 24 June 1380, at Kenilworth Castle, she married John Hastings, 3rd Earl of Pembroke. She was seventeen years old and the groom was only eight. She was transferred to another household befitting her new rank as Countess of Pembroke. However, six years later, the marriage between Elizabeth and young Hastings was annulled.
By the age of 23, Elizabeth had tired of her 14-year-old husband. It is said that she had also been seduced by her cousin Richard II of England's half-brother John Holland, a known schemer, and had become pregnant by him. This forced her father to have her marriage annulled, and on 24 June 1386, at Plymouth, she hastily married John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter. Fortunately, her father dealt with her leniently and favoured his new son-in-law, such was Holland’s charm.
Holland was executed in 1400 for conspiring during the Epiphany Rising against his cousin, Elizabeth's brother Henry IV of England, who had by this time usurped the throne from Richard II. That same year, Elizabeth married Sir John Cornwall, 1st Baron Fanhope and Milbroke. Her marriage to Sir John caused some scandal, since Sir John failed to ask her brother for permission to marry Elizabeth. This resulted in Sir John's arrest. However, the marriage is said to have been a happy and loving one and they went on to have two children together, Constance and John.
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