Eleanor de Clare

     Eleanor de was born in October 1292 in Caerphilly, Glamorgan, Wales. She was the daughter of Gilbert de Clare, knight, Earl of Glouchester & hertfordshire & 2nd wife, Joan of Acre, daughter of Edward I, King of England. William abducted Eleanor from Hanley Castle in January of 1329. They were arrested by Roger de Mortimer in the name of the King in February of the same year.¹ Eleanor de married 2nd William le Zouche de Mortimer, son of Robert de Mortimer and Joyce la Zouche, on 26 January 1329 in England. She was the widow of Hugh de la Spencer, who was hanged 24 November 1326. Eleanor was imprisoned in the Tower of London. She was held prisoner until in December of 1329, she was compelled by the king to surrender the Lordships of Glamorgan & Morgannwg and the manors of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire and Hanley, Worchestershire until they should have paid an impossible fine of 50,000 pounds. They received a pardon on 22 February 1330. In January 1331, she did recover her lands for a reduced fine of 5,000 pounds which was never paid in full during her lifetime.¹ Eleanor's husband, William, died on 28 February 1337 in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, England, leaving her a widow. Eleanor departed this life on Sunday, 30 June 1337 in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, England.