Elizabeth of York

Elizabeth of York was born on 11 February 1466 at Westminster Palace, Middlesex, England. She was the daughter of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. Her early life was influenced by the political upheavals of the Wars of the Roses, during which her younger brothers disappeared from the Tower of London.

In 1483, Elizabeth and her sisters sought sanctuary in Westminster Abbey after their uncle Richard III took the throne. The 1484 Act of Parliament declared her parents' marriage invalid, but Elizabeth returned to court under Richard III. Rumors circulated that Richard III intended to marry her, but this did not come to pass.

Elizabeth married Henry VII on 18 January 1486, following his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field. This marriage united the warring houses of York and Lancaster, symbolized by the Tudor rose. Elizabeth was crowned queen consort on 25 November 1487.

Her marriage to Henry VII was reportedly happy, and she bore several children, including Arthur, Prince of Wales, and Henry VIII. Her daughters Margaret and Mary became queens consort of Scotland and France, respectively. Elizabeth played little role in politics during her time as queen.

In 1502, Elizabeth became pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter, Katherine, who died shortly after birth. Elizabeth herself succumbed to a postpartum infection and died on 11 February 1503, her 37th birthday. Her death deeply affected her family, particularly her husband, Henry VII.

After her death, Henry VII considered remarriage to strengthen alliances but remained a widower until his death in 1509. Elizabeth was buried in Westminster Abbey, where her tomb was later altered to accommodate the interment of her great-great-grandson James VI and I.

Elizabeth of York died at the age of 37 from a postpartum infection and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Her son, Henry VIII, succeeded her husband as King of England.