Witchy Wednesday, Jacquetta of Luxembourg


This painting of a wealthy 15th century Burgundian woman, by the artist Petrus Christus 1450-1460, gives an idea of the fashions Jacquetta of Luxembourgh may have worn. 


The interesting true story of Jacquetta of Luxembourgh who was accused of witchcraft. 

 

Jacquetta of Luxembourgh also known as the Dowager Duchess of Bedford and Countess Rivers was born around 1415 or 1416 possibly in one of her fathers Chateau's in Northern France at the time occupied and owned by the English. 
She was married firstly to John of Lancaster the Duke of Bedford, the third son of King Henry IV of England and brother to the upcoming King Henry V. Then after the death of the Duke she secretly got married to Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers. Which was done without the Kings permission. Though a shakey start the King forgave them both and Jacquetta retained her title from her first marriage of Duchess of Bedfordshire. The marriage was long and fruitful producing fourteen children. Including Elizabeth Woodville the future Queen Consort. 



Sir Richard Woodville.
The Woodville Family. 
http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/WOODVILLE



In 1469 accusations where made against Jacquetta Duchess of Bedford that she was a witch. She was accused of using a variety of lead figures, or poppets, for the practices of witchcraft and sorcery!

To find out the full story of Jacquetta Duchess of Bedford please watch this interesting YouTube documentary on Jacquetta of Luxembourgh by History Calling.

Arms of Jacquetta of Luxembourg

Some folklore stories and articles about History can be quite scary and disturbing and may have some adult content. So I would always advise visiting, reading and viewing any links before showing or reading to younger children.

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