Joan of Kent
Early Life and Background
Joan of Kent, also known as the "Fair Maid of Kent," was a notable figure in 14th-century England. Born on September 29, 1328, she was the daughter of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent, and Margaret Wake, 3rd Baroness Wake of Liddell. Edmund was the sixth son of King Edward I and his second wife, Margaret of France, making Joan a member of the English royal family. Her early life was marked by the political turmoil surrounding her father's execution in 1330, ordered by her cousin, King Edward III, due to Edmund's alleged conspiracy against the king.
Marriages and Personal Life
Joan's personal life was complex and controversial, particularly due to her marriages. In 1340, at the age of twelve, she secretly married Thomas Holland, a knight of modest means. This marriage was kept secret, and during Holland's absence on a military campaign, Joan was compelled to marry William Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury. Upon Holland's return, he appealed to the Pope, and the marriage to Montagu was annulled in 1349, recognizing Joan's marriage to Holland as valid.
After Holland's death in 1360, Joan married Edward, the Black Prince, the eldest son of King Edward III, in 1361. This marriage further elevated her status, as she became the Princess of Wales. The couple had two sons, Edward of Angoulême and Richard, who would later become King Richard II.
Political Influence and Role
Joan of Kent wielded significant influence during her lifetime, both through her marriages and her own political acumen. As the wife of the Black Prince, she played a role in the court politics of the time, often acting as an intermediary between her husband and other nobles. Her influence continued after the Black Prince's death in 1376, as she became a key figure in the minority government of her son, Richard II.
Her political involvement was particularly evident during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, where she reportedly played a role in negotiating peace. Joan's ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the time was a testament to her intelligence and diplomatic skills.
Legacy and Death
Joan of Kent's legacy is multifaceted. She is remembered not only for her beauty and charm, which earned her the moniker "Fair Maid of Kent," but also for her political influence and the controversies surrounding her marriages. Her son, Richard II, ascended to the throne in 1377, and her lineage continued to play a significant role in English history.
Joan died on August 7, 1385, at Wallingford Castle in Berkshire. She was buried at the Greyfriars in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Her life and legacy continue to be subjects of interest for historians studying the complexities of medieval English nobility.