Edmund of Langley, Duke of York

A gilt bronze statuette of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York, can be seen on the tomb of his father King Edward III in Westminster Abbey. His shield of arms has disappeared (probably wrenched off by a visitor at some time). Originally there were twelve statuettes of Edward's children but only six now remain on the south side (ie. Edward, the "Black" Prince, Lionel, Duke of Clarence, Joan, Mary of Brittany and William of Hatfield). His mother Philippa of Hainault has a tomb next to Edward III in the chapel of St Edward the Confessor.

Edmund was born at his father's manor at King's Langley in Hertfordshire on 5th June 1341. He became Earl of Cambridge, Constable of Dover Castle and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and was created Duke of York. He was also guardian of England and campaigned in Portugal and Spain. His first wife was Isabel, daughter of Pedro I, King of Castile and Leon. Their child Edward, 2nd Duke of York was killed at Agincourt in 1415 and son Richard, Earl of Cambridge was executed for treason. Their daughter Constance married Thomas, Lord Despencer. His second wife was Joan, daughter of the Earl of Kent. He died on 1st August 1402 and is buried at King's Langley.

Further reading

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004