MAGGIE DUNMORE

(b.1412 - d.1474)

BIOGRAPHY:

Maggie Dunmore grew up on the Neville estate. Both her parents worked for the Neville family before her. Her father was an archer and landowner who took pleasure in teaching all of his children how to shoot. In 1425 the ten year old Cicely Neville was betrothed to Richard Duke of York and Maggie was to become one of several household retainers who would serve under the lady.

She would often be in the party that would accompany Lady Cicely around the realm, both as a cook and a maid servant. Lady Cicely gave birth to 13 children between 1438 and 1454. Thus Maggie became one of the assisting 'nannies' to the children. Her fantastical stories about country life and imagined far off battles as an archer fascinated the children and she remained a popular confidant to the young Plantagenets.