Sanctuary For Elizabeth of York: The Sleepover from Hell

Image Attribution: Charles A. Platt, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Disclaimer: The content, images, materials, and information provided on this website is only intended to be general summary information to the public. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. It should not be viewed as medical, financial, legal, or professional advice of any sort. We will do our best to confirm the accuracy of all information that appears on our website but cannot guarantee accuracy, reliability, or timeliness. All recommendations are made without guarantee or warranty. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Elizabeth of York grew up in a particularly unstable time in English history: the War of the Roses. As a princess (and sometimes heir) of one faction of the war, life became particularly dangerous when the opponents came into power. (I would love to say that there were only two sides, but since Elizabeth’s uncle is suspected of murdering her younger brothers, it is clear that there were no sides. Just assholes trying to grab as much power as possible.) During these dangerous moments, Elizabeth’s mother packed up their family and fled to sanctuary twice throughout her life.

What the Fuck is Sanctuary?

In the medieval era, Church Law and Civic Law were two separate entities that held equal power and sway over the legal system in England. For example, Church officials had to be tried through the Church and using the laws of the Catholic Church, rather than the laws of the land or Civic Law. Sanctuary was another area where Church Law and Civic Law clashed. As churches were considered outside of the law of the land, anyone who was charged for any crime could go to a church and claim sanctuary. They would then live in the church and not be able to leave. If they left, they risked by arrested by the authorities. So it was basically a very long sleepover at church, where if you left, you would be arrested. (Sounds fun, right? Not!)

The Yorks in Sanctuary: Part 1

The first time Elizabeth was forced into sanctuary was when she was only four years old. Her father, Edward IV, was forced to flee to Burgundy when Warwick and George of Gloucester staged a coup and placed Henry VI back on the throne. Henry VI was so mentally unstable at this point that he was little more than a puppet for Warwick. Elizabeth and her family remained in sanctuary in Westminster Abbey until Edward IV took back the throne.

Charles A. Platt, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Westminster Abbey was basically right down the road from their enemies and the royal family had no military protection. During these months, their continued safety was at the whims of two men who hated them; Warwick and George of Gloucester. In fact, Warwick was directly responsible for the execution of Elizabeth’s grandfather and uncle on her mother’s side in his first rebellion. (This “trial” and execution was very sketchy legally and frankly was done out of spite.) Despite being in sanctuary, Elizabeth and her family’s lives were at risk every day that Warwick remained in power.

At only four years old, it is unlikely that Elizabeth understood what was going on; however, that does not mean that she was totally oblivious. Her world had changed overnight, and her beloved father was no where in sight (because he literally abandoned them in enemy territory! Who the fuck does that to their wife and kids?) Her mother was very pregnant and gave birth in the Abbey. All around, this was a traumatizing experience for Elizabeth, who, up until this point, had lived a relatively sheltered life.

The Yorks in Sanctuary: Part 2

Once Edward IV regained the throne, the realm, and the royal family, lived in relative peace for the next 13 years. It was only upon Edward IV’s death that Elizabeth and her immediate family were forced back into sanctuary at Westminster Abbey. This time, there is no doubt that Elizabeth knew what was happening. Her family was literally tearing each other apart and there seemed to be no end in sight. All their allies had abandoned them, and it was clear that they were on their own. Soon, the former princes and princesses of England were declared illegitimate, and Elizabeth’s brothers were missing, presumed dead (at the hands of Dear Old Uncle Dick).

John Cassel, Public domain (US-PD-expired), via Wikimedia Commons

If Elizabeth’s first round in sanctuary had been traumatizing, this one was emotionally catastrophic. In rapid succession, Elizabeth lost her father, her freedom, her brothers, and her inheritance. While the first three must have been soul-crushing, the fourth likely made her situation seem hopeless. (I can feel the rage from here. Before you rip me a new one, let me explain.)

As a royal woman in the Medieval Era, Elizabeth knew that her role was to marry and produce heirs. She learned through her parents’ marriage that power and protection come through marrying well. Clearly, her father brought the power to the marriage (Exhibit I. Sanctuary Part 1. Exhibit 2. Sanctuary Part 2. Exhibit 3. Waaaay too many murdered family members. I rest my case). To protect herself and her remaining family, Elizabeth needed to marry a powerful man. That became much harder when she was declared illegitimate and lost most of her inheritance.

Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth’s Stints in Sanctuary Shaped the Queen She Became

There is no way that Elizabeth’s times in sanctuary did not affect her. We can see it in the way she lived the rest of her life. Elizabeth’s priority was the safety of her family above all else. She may not have had a significant role in politics, but she ensured that her sisters were taken care of and that her children’s marriages were politically sound and relatively safe. Due to the trauma that she experienced, in all likelihood, she was not power hungry, like many of her family members were. She wanted power and money to protect and take care of her family. She did not need anything else.

Link Disclaimer: Some links within this website may lead to other sites that we believe may be useful or informative. The Snarky History Nerd Blog does not incorporate any materials appearing in such linked sites by reference. These links to third party sites or information are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying our endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the third party information, products, or services found there. We do not maintain or control these sites and accordingly make no guarantee concerning the accuracy, reliability, or currency of the information found there.

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Sources

AuthorSource Name
Alison WeirThe War of the Roses. 
Alison WeirElizabeth of York: A Tudor and Her World.
Dan JonesThe War of the Roses:
The Fall of the Plantagenets
and the Rise of the Tudors. 
Lisa HiltonQueens Consort:
England’s Medieval Queens
from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Elizabeth of York.
Sarah GristwoodBlood Sisters: The Women Behind the War of the Roses.
Roland HuiThe Turbulent Crown: The Story of the Tudor Queens.
Leanda de LisleTudor: Passion. Manipulation. Murder.
The Story of England’s Most Notorious Family.

Elizabeth of York: The KISS Edition

Image Attribution: After Meynnart Wewyck, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Disclaimer: The content, images, materials, and information provided on this website is only intended to be general summary information to the public. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. It should not be viewed as medical, financial, legal, or professional advice of any sort. We will do our best to confirm the accuracy of all information that appears on our website but cannot guarantee accuracy, reliability, or timeliness. All recommendations are made without guarantee or warranty. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Similar to Catherine of Valois (See Catherine of Valois: The KISS Edition), Elizabeth of York is a largely forgotten queen who is essential to the rise of the Tudors.

Elizabeth of York: The Daughter of the War of the Roses

Elizabeth was the first born child of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. From the moment of her birth, she was celebrated and treated as a national treasure. (I hope I am not the only who just had a flashback of Nicholas Cage pretending to be Indiana Jones). For the first few years of her life, Elizabeth led a charmed life. This, of course, did not last long.

When Elizabeth was four, Edward IV was overthrown by the Lancasters (in what I like to refer to as Warwick’s hissy fit). He forced to flee England and abandon his wife and children. A heavily pregnant Elizabeth Woodville sought sanctuary at Westminster Abbey for her and her daughters. While they resided in comfort, the royal family lived in fear that Warwick and the Lancasters would storm the Abbey to “take care of” (AKA murder) of them.

Protecting the Fam

One of the first things that Edward IV did, after he defeated the Lancasters, was to liberate his wife and children from sanctuary. From that point on, Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville took several steps to ensure their family’s safety. Henry VI “died of grief” (AKA murdered) and Margaret of Anjou was declawed by the deaths of her husband and her son. As George of Clarence (Edward IV’s brother and Elizabeth of York’s uncle) continued to commit treason, he was killed, likely on Edward IV’s orders. (As much as George was a turd, brothers killing brothers is never a good thing in the long run). With the obvious threats taken care of, Elizabeth and her family were safe and happy.

Uncle Dick Comes to Town

This all ended when Edward IV died unexpectedly when she was seventeen. Her twelve year old brother, Edward V, became king and her uncle Richard III became Lord Protector. Richard III hated the Woodvilles (especially the new Queen Dowager, Elizabeth Woodville) and sought to take power for himself. (The men in the York family literally destroyed each other and themselves over being the King of England. I would love to ask them if it was all worth it in the end). He took custody of Edward V and arrested Elizabeth of York’s maternal uncle and half-brother. This action sent Elizabeth and her immediate family once again into sanctuary (AKA a very long sleepover at church). Everything seemed to go downhill from there.

John Everett Millais, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With complete control over Edward V and the Woodvilles powerless, Richard III quickly secured more power for himself. He conducted a coup, executed and exiled Edward V’s supporters (without a trial, which is a big no no even then), and forced the Queen Dowager to release Richard (Edward IV’s second son) into his custody. Once the two biggest threats to his power were under his control, Richard III made the ultimate power move. He revealed (around the same time that the Princes “disappeared”) that Edward IV had already been married when he married the Queen Dowager, making the Princes and Princesses illegitimate. Of course, there was only one witness (the priest who could not actually be considered a legal witness), the supposed first wife was dead, and apparently, George knew? (You know, the traitor brother who literally called Edward IV, his own brother, illegitimate to get more power. There is no way he would have sat on this information.)

Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Richard III’s rule was rocked with rebellion and instability. His treatment of Edward IV’s children enraged many English citizens. As hated as the Woodvilles were, Edward IV was beloved. Despite Richard’s scheme to delegitimize Elizabeth and her siblings, her brothers were still considered the rightful heirs. After it was largely accepted that they were dead (as if they needed more family murder in the York family), Elizabeth became the rightful heir to the throne. This is the reason why Henry VII and Elizabeth were betrothed multiple times before they eventually married and why there were rumors that Richard III sought to marry Elizabeth after Anne Neville’s death. (Incest. So much incest. I definitely just threw up at little in my mouth.)

And Now We Have… The Tudors?

Moving away from potential royal incestual marriages (still so gross), Henry VII defeated Richard III and became the first Tudor king of England. This should have been a glorious time for Elizabeth. After all, she was the reason he won. Most of Henry’s supporters only fought for him because he promised to marry Elizabeth (and not in the creepy uncle way that Richard III tried to do). While Elizabeth waited for Henry to set a wedding date so that they could be crowned as King and Queen of England together, Henry had other plans.

Henry wanted to rule in his own right, not based on his wife’s claim to the throne. So he put off the wedding. He had his coronation and began to rule England as a King alone. (While I can see his point, the massive fan of Elizabeth in me is enraged on her behalf.) He did this for so long that his supporters began to get nervous that he was not going to marry Elizabeth. Finally, he chose a wedding date and they got married. Elizabeth became pregnant and then Queen (and yes, it is supposed to be the other way around). And so began the Tudor age.

Marriages Don’t Magically Solve All of the Problems

Unfortunately, her marriage to Henry VII did not end the clashes between her family and her husband. Her aunt, Margaret of Burgundy, promoted two different pretenders, including one who claimed to be Elizabeth’s youngest brother, (which was such a dick move. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound). After one of these rebellions,, Henry VII may have forced the Queen Dowager to relinquish her lands and retire to an abbey. (Some say it was her choice while others say Henry forced her into it.) Henry VII stole some of Elizabeth and her sisters’ inheritance (besides the throne) and refused to provide doweries for them. Elizabeth ended up financially supporting her sisters throughout their adult years.

Malden, Sarah, Countess of Essex (c. 1761-1838)[2][3], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While their marriage did not miraculously heal the wounds that the War of the Roses caused, Henry and Elizabeth had a solid marriage. They had multiple children (which indicated an active sex life). Neither were overly affectionate towards each other in public (and Henry was a total Mama’s Boy); however, multiple sources indicate that they cared for and supported each other. In fact, Henry VII only developed his cold and controlling reputation after Elizabeth passed away.

For the most part, Elizabeth stayed away from politics. Whether or not this was her choice or she was sidelined by Margaret Beaufort (the #1 Badass, clink link for more info), we will probably never know. Regardless, she gave birth to multiple children, including the infamous Henry VIII, Queen Margaret Tudor of Scotland and Queen Mary Tudor of France. Her main contribution politically was negotiating marriages for her children. While she worked with Margaret on these negotiations, Elizabeth made sure that she had a voice in who daughter- and son-in-laws would be.

At the end of the day, Elizabeth of York was critical to English history despite being overshadowed by her mother and mother-in-law. She was the Daughter of the War of the Roses and the first Tudor Queen.

Links Disclaimer: Some links within this website may lead to other sites that we believe may be useful or informative. The Snarky History Nerd Blog does not incorporate any materials appearing in such linked sites by reference. These links to third party sites or information are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying our endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the third party information, products, or services found there. We do not maintain or control these sites and accordingly make no guarantee concerning the accuracy, reliability, or currency of the information found there.

Affiliate Link Disclaimer: The Snarky History Nerd Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means that we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.

Sources:

AuthorSource Name
Alison WeirThe War of the Roses. 
Mary McGrigorThe Sister Queens: Isabella & Catherine de Valois
Dan JonesThe War of the Roses:
The Fall of the Plantagenets
and the Rise of the Tudors. 
Lisa HiltonQueens Consort:
England’s Medieval Queens
from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Elizabeth of York.
Erin LawlessForgotten Royal Women: The King and I
Dan JonesThe Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens
Who Made England