The Beauforts: Lineage, Ambition and Obligation 1373-1510

Despite their questionable origin, the Beauforts rose to prominence in the Lancastrian monarchy, serving the English and Lancastrian kings for three generations. However, they were also blamed for the English loss in the Hundred Years War and the Lancastrian decline in the Wars of the Roses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Despite their questionable origin, four illegitimate children of John of Gaunt and his mistress Katherine Swynford carved out their place in the world. When all four were retrospectively declared legitimate, they each embarked on a path of advancement. Following the coup in 1399, when their half-brother ascended to the throne as King Henry IV, the Beauforts assumed a central role in government. For three generations, they served the Lancastrian monarchy, supporting its grand ambitions and witnessing its eventual decline to extinction. John Brunton delves into how the Beauforts were often blamed for the English loss in the Hundred Years War and the Lancastrian defeat in the Wars of the Roses. However, the account also highlights the constant and stabilizing influence exerted by the earls and dukes of Somerset and their families during the uncertain times of the fifteenth century.

Background:
John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, had four illegitimate children with Katherine Swynford: Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset; Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset; Eleanor Beaufort, Countess of Chester; and Joan Beaufort, Countess of Kent. Despite their questionable origin, these children were recognized as legitimate by King Henry IV, who granted them titles and estates.
Rise to Power:
Following the coup in 1399, when King Richard II was deposed and King Henry IV became the new ruler, the Beauforts were placed at the center of government. The earls and dukes of Somerset, who were related to the Beauforts through marriage, also played significant roles in the Lancastrian monarchy. The Beauforts served the Lancastrian monarchy for three generations, supporting its grand ambitions and witnessing its decline to eventual extinction.
Blame for Losses:
John Brunton discusses how the Beauforts took much of the blame for losing the Hundred Years War for the English and then the Wars of the Roses for the Lancastrians. However, the account also shows that the earls and dukes of Somerset and their families acted as a constant, stabilizing influence in the uncertain times of the fifteenth century.
Conclusion:
The Beauforts, despite their questionable origin, played a significant role in English history. Their rise to power and service to the Lancastrian monarchy were marked by both achievements and challenges. While they were often blamed for losses, the earls and dukes of Somerset and their families provided stability and support during a turbulent period. The legacy of the Beauforts continues to be studied and debated by historians today.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 243 x 168 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398103825