Katherine of England
25 November 1253 - 3 May 1257
House: Plantagenet
Katherine of England was born on 25 November 1253 at Westminster Palace, London, as the fifth child of Henry III and Eleanor of Provence. She was christened by her great-granduncle, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boniface of Savoy, and named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Her birth was celebrated with a grand banquet attended by nobility.
In her early life, Katherine was left in the care of Emma le Despencer at Windsor Castle when her mother joined her father in Gascony. Katherine's health was fragile, and she was sent to Swallowfield when she became gravely ill in 1254. Her father was kept informed of her health during his expedition to France.
Katherine died on 3 May 1257 at the age of three and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Her death left her parents heartbroken.
Notable events
- 25 November 1253Born at Westminster Palace, London, to Henry III and Eleanor of Provence.
- 25 November 1253Christened by Archbishop Boniface of Savoy, named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
- 5 January 1254A grand banquet was held by the king to celebrate her birth.
- Early 1254Left in the care of Emma le Despencer at Windsor Castle when her mother left for Gascony.
- Autumn 1254Became gravely ill and was sent to Swallowfield for recovery.
- February 1256Returned to Windsor Castle after showing signs of improvement.
- Late 1256Suffered a relapse in her health.
- 2 May 1255King ordered gold clothes with embroidered borders for her.
- 3 May 1257Died at Windsor Castle at the age of three.
- Post-3 May 1257Buried in Westminster Abbey, a monument was erected in her memory.
Other details
Death: Died at age 3 at Windsor Castle, buried in Westminster Abbey.
Children: 0
Parents: Henry III of England, Eleanor of Provence