Mary of Woodstock

Mary of Woodstock, born on 11 March 1278 at Windsor Castle, was the seventh named daughter of Edward I of England and Eleanor of Castile. Unlike her siblings, Mary’s life took a religious turn as she became a Benedictine nun at Amesbury Priory, yet she lived a life of comfort thanks to a generous allowance from her royal parents. Despite her cloistered role, she was known for her wide travels around England, an activity that defied the papal travel prohibition of 1303. Mary was also engaged in the affairs of the court, often attending significant events and holding the post of vicegerent and visitatrix for the abbess, authorizing the transfer of nuns between convents.

Her life at the priory was marked by a mix of monastic duties and royal privileges, receiving a dedicated income from several manors and the borough of Wilton, and managing Grovebury Priory in Bedfordshire until her death. Although she sought higher office within the order, her attempts were unsuccessful, and her role as visitor was eventually removed, only to be reinstated later through a papal mandate. Mary’s later years continued to reflect her royal status, and she even received the homage of the English Dominican friar Nicholas Trevet, who dedicated his ‘Cronicles’ to her. Mary of Woodstock passed away before 8 July 1332 and was laid to rest in Amesbury Priory.