Hotot, Agnes (fl. 14th c.)

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Hotot, Agnes (fl. 14th c.)

English noblewoman. Flourished 14th century in England; daughter of the earl of Dudley.

Agnes Hotot was an English noblewoman who fought a tournament in disguise for the honor of her father, the earl of Dudley. When the earl was too sick to participate in a tournament to settle a dispute against another earl, Agnes went in his place. She easily hid her identity from her opponent with her helmet and armor, and then proceeded to win the tournament—obviously the art of jousting was something Agnes had practiced before that day. Supposedly, she then removed her armor and helmet in front of the conquered man to reveal her gender to him.

Laura York , Riverside, California