Ankarette Twynyho

Ankarette Twynyho, also known as Ankarette Twynho, was a 15th-century English woman who lived during a tumultuous period of English history marked by the Wars of the Roses. Her life and tragic end are largely connected to the political machinations and power struggles of the time, particularly those involving King Edward IV and Richard III.

Early Life

Ankarette Twynyho's exact birth date is unknown, but she was born into a family with connections to the English aristocracy. Her family, the Twynyhos, were from Gloucestershire and had ties to the local gentry. There is limited information about her early life, which was typical for women of her social standing during this period.

Marriage and Family

Ankarette married John Twynyho, a lawyer and member of the gentry, which elevated her social status further. John Twynyho held the position of under-treasurer in the Exchequer and served as an MP for Gloucestershire. The couple had at least two daughters, including one named Elizabeth.

Political Climate and Allegations

Ankarette's life took a dark turn during the latter part of the 15th century when England was embroiled in the Wars of the Roses. This period saw rival factions—the House of Lancaster and the House of York—fight for control of the English throne. Ankarette Twynyho's connection to this conflict came through her association with the Woodville family, who were related to King Edward IV through his marriage to Elizabeth Woodville.

In 1484, after the death of Edward IV and the ascension of Richard III to the throne, Ankarette found herself caught up in the political turmoil. Richard III sought to consolidate his power and eliminate those he perceived as threats. As part of this effort, he accused Ankarette Twynyho of poisoning members of the royal family, including the young Prince Edward and his uncle, the Duke of Clarence.

Arrest and Execution

In 1485, Ankarette Twynyho was arrested on charges of treason and conspiracy. She was accused of being part of a plot to poison the royal family and others. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, she was tried and found guilty. Her trial was part of a wider purge of those loyal to the Woodville family and others perceived as threats to Richard III's rule.

On May 20, 1485, Ankarette Twynyho was executed by hanging at Warwick Castle. Her death is considered by many historians to have been politically motivated, a common occurrence during the turbulent period of the Wars of the Roses.

Legacy and Reassessments

Ankarette Twynyho's legacy is intertwined with the broader history of the Wars of the Roses and the complex relationships between the various noble families. While she was executed as a traitor, modern historians often view her trial and execution as an example of the arbitrary and brutal nature of justice during that period.

In more recent times, Ankarette's story has been reexamined as part of the broader historical reassessment of the reign of Richard III and the events leading up to the end of the Plantagenet dynasty. Her unjust treatment and tragic end serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who found themselves entangled in the power struggles of medieval England.

Sources

• Ross, Charles. Richard III – Yale English Monarchs.


• Weir, Alison. The Princes in the Tower..


• Hicks, Michael. Richard III.


• Kincaid, Arthur. The History of Richard III