32. Gold and Land Became A Part Of Violante Visconti’s Dowry
Violante Visconti, and Italian princess and the daughter of Galeazzo II Visconti. Her father, known as Lord of Milan became a member of the Visconti dynasty in the 1300s. By the age of 13 years old, her father promised an extensive dowry to her suitor. Violante’s first husband became Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence.
Lionel, the third son of King Edward III of England, lacked inheritance because of his many surviving brothers. Marrying Violante allowed Lionel to receive more land and money than his brothers. Unfortunately, Lionel died five months into their marriage due to suspected food poisoning.