Cecily of York

20 March 1469 - 24 August 1507

House: York, Woodville

Titles: Princess, Viscountess Welles

Cecily of York was the third daughter of King Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Woodville. Her life was marked by political upheaval, beginning with her family’s struggles during her father’s reign and continuing through the Wars of the Roses. After her father’s death, she was declared illegitimate by her uncle King Richard III, but later had her status restored by Henry VII. Cecily’s marriages were politically motivated, first to Ralph Scrope, then to John Welles, Viscount Welles, and finally, controversially, to Sir Thomas Kyme.

Notable events

1469
Born to King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville amidst a political crisis involving her father and the Earl of Warwick.
1483
Father Edward IV died, leading to her uncle Richard III's usurpation and her subsequent declaration as illegitimate.
1484
Rumored to be a potential bride for Richard III, but instead married Ralph Scrope.
1485
Richard III died at the Battle of Bosworth; marriage to Scrope annulled by Henry VII.
1487/88
Married John Welles, Viscount Welles, becoming part of the Tudor political framework.
1499
Became a widow upon the death of John Welles.
1502/04
Married Sir Thomas Kyme without royal permission, leading to banishment from court.
1507
Passed away with her funeral expenses partially covered by Lady Margaret Beaufort.

Other details

Death: Died at age 38; buried at Quarr Abbey, Isle of Wight or the friary at Kings Langley, Herts.

Children: 4 (2 with Welles, 2 with Kyme)

Marriages: Ralph Scrope (annulled), John Welles, 1st Viscount Welles (deceased), Sir Thomas Kyme

Sources

Compiled from various 3rd hand sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/