       
|
 |
15th Century
Wars of the Roses (1455 - 1485)
Men of Warwick
  
Margery, Chicken Peddler (Nikki Prive)
Margery is from Warwickshire, where her family has a small plot of
land. Her marriage was arranged with the son of a local family, when
she was a child. Instead of inheriting the family land, she was given
a small dowry of hardy cooking pots, tools, and a few chickens. Her
husband, William, was several years older than her, when they were married.
He was the youngest of three boys and had no talent as a farmer, so he
joined one of Warwick's garrisons. After serving five years, Margery
and William were married when Margery was 19. Joining William on
campaign, Margery earned money by cooking and mending for the men of the
unit. They were not terribly fond of each other and had no children.
On March 29, 1461, William was killed during the battle of Towton, which
Margery has not been very distraught over.
Although she gained all of William's belongings, she also inherited
his large debts. He had managed to accumulate these from various
get-rich-quick schemes, including a peacock farm (the shipment of peacocks
died while crossing the channel). So for now, Margery has chosen
to remain with Warwick's men selling eggs, cooking, and mending, until
her late husband's debts are paid.
Contact us
Return to main biography page
|
