Alice Constable

notes

Simon de Constable's married life was complicated to save the least. Following the death of his first wife, Joan circa 1275, possibly poisoned by one of his second wives, Katherine de Wyvelsby, Simon went on to marry twice, once to Alice and the second, possibly to Katherine, the alleged killer of his first wife.

Following his death in York Castle in 1294, the issues regarding Simon's marriages and his inheritance came to court in 1297. The hearing was of considerable importance and is detailed in some depth in the following book:
Wife and Widow in Medieval England "Litigation as Personal Quest: Suing for Dower in the Medieval Courts, circa 1272-1350." Sue Sheridan Walker (page 93)

"At the outcome of the case, Alice would get dower and damages as the legitimate wife of Simon. Katherine would hold in peace the lands Robert had given her, and Robert was left with little inheritance"

The case also confirms that Robert was the son of Simon's first wife, Joan. It also states that Alice had been married to Simon for ten years. Given that Simon died in 1294, then this would mean a marriage date circa 1284.

We have a record (see Simon's profile) that Simon held the estates and property that Katherine inherited following the death of her first husband circa 1277. Given that this was the case it indicates that Katherine married Simon before Alice. However, the Royal court that sat in 1297 seem to cast doubt on the legitimacy of this marriage, by confirming Alice as the legitimate widow.