kids encyclopedia robot

Armorial of the House of Plantagenet facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Geoffrey of Anjou Monument
Enamel portrait of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou (1113/17–1151), formerly on his tomb in Le Mans Cathedral, Anjou, France, now in the Museum of Archeology and History in Le Mans. Visible on half his shield of azure are four lions rampant or, arranged in a manner reminiscent of the full-shield of six lions rampant (3,2,1) borne by his grandson William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury

The House of Plantagenet was the first truly armigerous royal dynasty of England. Their predecessor, Henry I of England, had presented items decorated with a lion heraldic emblem to his son-in-law, Plantagenet founder Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, and his family experimented with different lion-bearing coats until these coalesced during the reign of his grandson, Richard I (1189–1199), into a coat of arms with three lions on a red field, formally Gules, three lions passant guardant or (armed and langued azure), that became the Royal Arms of England, and colloquially those of England itself. The various cadet branches descended from this family bore differenced versions of these arms, while later members of the House of Plantagenet would either quarter or impale these arms with others to reflect their political aspirations.

Overview of Plantagenet arms

Before Edward III

Arms of dynastic founder and kings
Arms of Geoffrey of Anjou.svg Royal Arms of England (1154-1189).svg Arms of William the Conqueror (1066-1087).svg Royal Arms of England (1198-1340).svg
Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou
William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, illegitimate son of King Henry II
Henry II of England (possible)
William FitzEmpress (possible)
Richard I of England (1189–1198) (likely)
Henry II of England (possible)
John, prior to becoming king
Richard FitzRoy, John's illegitimate son
Kings of England 1198–1340, 1360–1369
Arms of the sons of kings and their issue
Arms of Edward, Prince of Wales (1301-1307).svg Arms of Richard of Cornwall, Earl of Cornwall.svg Arms of Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster.svg Arms of Henry, 3rd Earl of Leicester and Lancaster.svg
Prince of Wales Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, son of King John Edmund Crouchback, 1st Earl of Lancaster, son of Henry III Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, son of Edmund Crouchback (1322–1326)
(later inherited his father's arms)
Arms of Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk.svg Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg Arms of John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall.svg
Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk, son of Edward I Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent, son of Edward I John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall, son of Edward II

After Edward III

Arms of Kings
Royal Arms of England (1340-1367).svg Royal Arms of England (1395-1399).svg Royal Arms of England (1399-1603).svg Royal Arms of England (1470-1471).svg
Kings of England 1340–1360, 1369–1395, 1399–1406 Richard II of England, 1395–1399 Kings of England 1406–1422, 1461–1470, 1471–1485 Henry VI of England, 1422–1461, 1470–1471
Arms of the sons of Edward III
Arms of the Prince of Wales (Ancient).svg Arms of Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg Arms of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster.svg Arms of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York.svg Arms of Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester.svg
Edward, the Black Prince Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester
Arms of the grandsons of Edward III
Arms of Richard of Bordeaux, Prince of Wales (later Richard II).svg Sons of John of Gaunt:
Red Rose Badge of Lancaster.svg
House of Lancaster

Sons of Edmund of Langley:
White Rose Badge of York.svg
House of York
Arms of Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester.svg
Richard of Bordeaux,
son of the Black Prince, until 1376
Humphrey, 2nd Earl of Buckingham,
son of Thomas, Duke of Gloucester

House of Lancaster

Arms of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster Arms of Henry of Bolingbroke, eldest son of John of Gaunt
Arms of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster.svg Arms of John of Gaunt, King of Castile.svg Arms of Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford.svg Arms of Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford and Lancaster.svg
As Duke of Lancaster As claimant King of Castile (1371) As Duke of Hereford As Duke of Hereford and Lancaster
House of Henry IV
Arms of the Prince of Wales (Modern).svg Arms of Thomas of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Clarence alt.svg Arms of John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford.svg Arms of Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester.svg
Princes of Wales Thomas of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Clarence John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester
Arms of the House of Beaufort, legitimized sons of John of Gaunt
Arms of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset (Bastard).svg Arms of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset.svg Beaufort Arms (France modern).svg Arms of Thomas Beaufort, 1st Duke of Exeter.svg Arms of Thomas Beaufort, 1st Duke of Exeter moderne.svg
John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter
Before 1396 After legitimation, 1396 France moderne adopted After legitimation, 1396 France moderne adopted

House of York

Arms of the sons of Edmund of Langley
Arms of Edward of Norwich.svg Arms of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York.svg Arms of Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York.svg Arms of Richard of Conisburgh, 3rd Earl of Cambridge.svg
Edward of Norwich, as Earl of Rutland Edward of Norwich, as Duke of York Duke of York since the adoption of France moderne Richard of Conisburgh, 3rd Earl of Cambridge
Arms of the sons of Richard, 3rd Duke of York
Arms of Elizabeth of York (Princess).svg Arms of Edmund, Earl of Rutland.svg Arms of George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg Arms of Thomas of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg
Edward, Earl of March Edmund, Earl of Rutland George, Duke of Clarence Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Arms of the grandsons of Richard, 3rd Duke of York
Arms of the Prince of Wales (Modern).svg Arms of Richard of Shrewsbury, 1st Duke of York.svg Arms of Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick.svg Arms of the Prince of Wales (Modern).svg
Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Edward IV Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, son of Edward IV Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick, son of George, Duke of Clarence Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales, son of Richard III

Non-Plantagenet families

The heiresses of Norfolk and Kent transmitted the Plantagenet arms to non-Plantagenet families:

Mowbrays and Hollands
Arms of Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk.svg Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg Arms of John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter.svg Arms of John Holland, 2nd Duke of Exeter.svg
Mowbray Dukes of Norfolk Holland Earls of Kent John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter John Holland, 2nd Duke of Exeter

Henry VI of England granted differenced versions of the Plantagenet arms to his maternal half-brothers. This was an extraordinary grant, since they were not descended from the English royal family.

House of Tudor
Arms of Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond.svg Arms of Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford.svg
Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford

House of Plantagenet

Colour key
(Line of descent)

     Monarchs      Paternal descent      Maternal descent      Consorts      Illegitimate descent      Collaterals

Descendants of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Geoffrey of Anjou.svg
Geoffrey of Anjou 1113–1151 Azure, six lions rampant Or, three, two and one Son of: Fulk, King of Jerusalem and Ermengarde, Countess of Maine.

Married to: Empress Matilda; 1128–1151.

Progenitor of the Plantagenet dynasty.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1154-1189).svg
Arms of William the Conqueror (1066-1087).svg
King Henry II 1133–1189 Possible: Gules, a lion rampant (? contourné)

Possible: Gules, two lions passant

Son of: Geoffrey of Anjou and Empress Matilda.
No contemporary account provides him with arms, though attempts have been made to extrapolate what he may have used based on those of his sons and other kin.

In French blazoning, the lion passant guardant was often termed a léopard. However, this usage was never widespread in England, and is long obsolete.

Arms of Eleanor of Aquitaine.svg
Queen Eleanor 1124?–1204 Attributed:Gules, a lion passant guardant in pale Or Daughter of: William X, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Aquitaine and Aenor de Châtellerault.

Married to: King Henry II; 1152–1189.
There is not surviving contemporary evidence of her using arms, but later historians would attribute these arms to her.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of England (1189-1198).svg William FitzEmpress "Longespee" 1136-1164 Possible: Lion rampant (? contourné) Son of: Geoffrey of Anjou and Empress Matilda.
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of England (1189-1198).svg
Royal Arms of England (1154-1189).svg Royal Arms of England (1189-1198).svg
Arms of William the Conqueror (1066-1087).svg Royal Arms of England (1198-1340).svg
King Richard I, "The Lionheart" 1157–1199 Possible: Lion rampant (? contourné)

Possible: Two lions combatant

Possible: Two lions passant

Gules, three lions passant guardant Or

Son of: King Henry II and Queen Eleanor.

His arms are only known from two armorial seals, and hence the tinctures can not be determined. His First Great Seal showed one lion on half of the shield. It is debated whether this was meant to represent two lions combatant or a single lion, and if the latter, whether the direction in which the lion is facing is relevant or simply an artistic liberty. A simple lion rampant is most likely.

At the end of his life, his second seal showed three lions, clearly the three-lion coat used by his successors.

Arms of Berengaria of Navarre.svg
Queen Berengaria 1170?–1230 Azure, a cross pomettée Argent Daughter of: Sancho VI of Navarre and Sancha of Castile, Queen of Navarre.

Married to: King Richard I; 1191–1199.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Geoffrey of Anjou.svg
William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury 1176–1226 Azure, six lions guardant Or, three, two and one Illegitimate son of: King Henry II and Ida de Tosny.

Descendants of John, King of England

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1198-1340).svg
King John "Lackland" 1166–1216 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or Son of: King Henry II and Queen Eleanor.
Arms of Isabella of Angoulême.svg
Queen Isabella 1188–1246 Lozengy, Or and Gules (Angoulême) Daughter of: Aymer of Angoulême and Alice of Courtenay.

Married to: King John; 1200–1216.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Richard of Cornwall, Earl of Cornwall.svg
Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall 1209–1272 Argent, a red lion rampant Gules crowned Or, within a bordure Sable bezanty Son of: King John and Queen Isabella.

Descendants of Henry III of England

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1198-1340).svg
King Henry III 1207–1272 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or Son of: King John and Queen Isabella.
Arms of Eleanor of Provence.svg
Queen Eleanor 1223–1291 Or, four pallets Gules Daughter of: Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence and Beatrice of Savoy

Married to: King Henry III; 1236–1272.


Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster.svg
Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster 1245–1296 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, with a label of three points Azure each charged with three fleurs de lys Or Son of: King Henry III and Queen Eleanor.
Arms of Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster.svg
Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster 1278–1322 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, with a label of three points Azure each charged with three fleurs de lys Or Son of: Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster and Blanche of Artois.
Arms of Henry, 3rd Earl of Leicester and Lancaster.svg
Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster 1281–1345 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, a baston Azure Son of: Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster and Blanche of Artois.
Arms of Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster.svg
Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster 1310–1361 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, with a label of three points Azure each charged with three fleurs de lys Or Son of: Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster and Maud Chaworth


Descendants of Edward I of England

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1198-1340).svg
King Edward I 1239–1307 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or Son of: King Henry III and Queen Eleanor.
Arms of Castille (English heraldry).svg
Queen Eleanor 1241–1290 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Gules a castle Or (Castile), 2nd and 3rd, Argent a lion rampant (Leon) Daughter of: King Ferdinand III of Castile and Joan of Ponthieu.

Married to: King Edward I; 1254–1290

Arms of Margaret of France.svg
Queen Margaret 1279–1318 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or (England), dimidiating, Azure, semée fleurs de lys Or (France) Daughter of: King Philip III of France and Marie of Brabant.

Married to: King Edward I; 1299–1307

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Alphonso, Earl of Chester.svg
Alphonso Plantagenet, Earl of Chester 1273–1284 Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or, with a label of five points Azure Son of: King Edward I and Queen Eleanor.
Arms of Edward, Prince of Wales (1301-1307).svg
Edward of Caernarfon, Prince of Wales

(later King Edward II)

1284–1327 Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or, with a label of three points Azure Son of: King Edward I and Queen Eleanor.
Arms of Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk.svg
Thomas of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk 1300–1338 Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or, with a label of three points Argent Son of: King Edward I and Queen Margaret.
Arms of Alice de Hales.svg
Alice de Hales (or Halys) 1304–1326 Barry of ten Argent and Azure, a canton Gules, a lion passant guardant Or Daughter of: Roger Hales (or Halys)

Married to: Thomas of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk; (1316?–1320?)–1326

Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg
Edmund of Woodstock, Earl of Kent 1301–1330 Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or, within a bordure Argent (Kent) Son of: King Edward I and Queen Margaret.
Arms of Margaret Wake, Baroness Wake of Liddell.svg
Margaret Wake, Baroness Wake of Liddell 1297?–1349 Barry of six Or and Gules, in chief three torteaux Daughter of: John Wake, Baron Wake of Liddell and Joan de Fiennes

Married to: Edmund of Woodstock, Earl of Kent; 1325

Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg
Joan of Kent 1328–1385 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, within a bordure Argent (Kent) Daughter of: Edmund, Earl of Kent and Margaret Wake.

Married to: Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent; 1340–1360

Married to: Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales; 1361–1376.

The so-called Fair Maid of Kent.

Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg
Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent 1350?–1397 Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or, within a bordure Argent (Kent) Son of: Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent and Joan of Kent
Arms of John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter.svg
John Holland, Duke of Exeter 1352–1400 Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or, within a bordure Argent charged with fleurs de lys Or Son of: Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent and Joan of Kent
Arms of John Holland, 2nd Duke of Exeter.svg
John Holland, Duke of Exeter and Earl of Huntingdon 1395–1447 Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or, within a bordure Azure charged with eight fleurs de lys Or Son of: John Holland, Duke of Exeter and Earl of Huntingdon and Elizabeth of Lancaster

Descendants of Edward II of England

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1198-1340).svg
King Edward II 1284–1327 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or Son of: King of Edward I and Queen Eleanor.
Arms of Margaret of France.svg Arms of Isabella of France.svg Queen Isabella 1295–1358 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or (England), dimidiating, Azure, semée fleurs de lys Or (France)

Quarterly, 1st England, 2nd France ancien, 3rd, Gules, a cross saltire and an orle of chains linked together Or (Navarre), 4th, Azure, a bend Argent cotised potent-counter-potent Or (Champagne)

Daughter of: King Philip IV of France and Joan I of Navarre.

Married to: King of Edward II; 1308–1327

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Edward, Prince of Wales (1301-1307).svg
Edward of Windsor, Prince of Wales

(later King Edward III)

1312–1377 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, with a label of three points Azure Son of: King Edward II and Queen Isabella.
Arms of John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall.svg
John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall 1316–1336 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, within a bordure of France Son of: King Edward II and Queen Isabella.

Descendants of Edward III of England

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1198-1340).svg Royal Arms of England (1340-1367).svg King Edward III 1312–1377 Previously Edward bore: Gules, three lions passant guardant Or.

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Azure, semée of fleurs de lys Or (France), 2nd and 3rd, Gules, three lions passant guardant Or (England)

Son of: King Edward II and Queen Isabella.

In 1340, Edward III claimed the throne of France as an inheritance from his mother, Isabella, daughter of King Philip IV of France, and adopted new arms, Quarterly France and England. Such arms are termed "Arms of Pretension", where a sovereign adopts arms illustrative of a claim de jure (by right) to the throne of another kingdom.

Arms of Philippa of Hainault (1330-1340).svg Arms of Philippa of Hainault (1340-1369).svg Queen Philippa 1314–1369 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, England; 2nd and 3rd, Or, four lions rampant in a quadrangle the first and fourth Sable (Flanders), the second and third Gules (Holland) Daughter of: William I, Count of Hainaut and Joan of Valois.

Married to: King Edward III; 1328–1369.

Descendants of Edward, the Black Prince

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of the Prince of Wales (Ancient).svg Arms of the Prince of Wales (Shield of Peace).svg Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales 1330–1376 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent Son of: King Edward III and Queen Philippa.
Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg
Joan of Kent 1328–1385 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, within a bordure Argent (Kent) Daughter of: Edmund, Earl of Kent and Margaret Wake.

Married to: Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent; 1340–1360

Married to: Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales; 1361–1376.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Sir Roger de Clarendon.svg
Sir Roger Clarendon 1350–1402 Or, on a bend Sable, three ostrich feathers Argent, the quills transfixing as many scrolls of the first Illegitimate son of: Edward of Woodstock, the Prince of Wales and Edith Willesford.
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Richard of Bordeaux, Prince of Wales (later Richard II).svg Royal Arms of England (1395-1399).svg King Richard II 1367–1400 Azure, a cross fleury between five martlets Or (St. Edward the Confessor), impaling, Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England Son of: Edward of Woodstock, the Prince of Wales and Joan of Kent.

Childless, overthrown and succeeded by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke or King Henry IV.

Arms of Anne of Bohemia.svg
Anne of Bohemia 1366–1394 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Or, an eagle displayed sable (Imperial Arms), 2nd and 3rd, Gules, a lion rampant queue fourchée Argent crowned Or (Bohemia) Daughter of: Emperor Charles IV of the Holy Roman Empire and Elizabeth of Pomerania.

Married to: King Richard II; 1382–1394.

Arms of Isabella of Valois.svg
Isabella of Valois 1389–1409 Azure, semée of fleurs de lys Or (France ancien) Daughter of: King Charles VI of France and Isabeau of Bavaria.

Married to: King Richard II; 1396–1400.

Descendants of Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg
Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence 1338–1368 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each charged with a canton Gules Son of: King Edward III and Queen Philippa.
Arms of the House of de Burgh.svg
Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster 1332–1363 Or, a cross Gules (de Burgh) Daughter of: William Donn de Burgh, Earl of Ulster and Matilda of Lancaster.

Married to: Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence; 1352–1363.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Philippa of Clarence, 5th Countess of Ulster.svg
Philippa of Clarence, Countess of Ulster 1355–1382 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each charged with a canton Gules, impaling, Barry of six, Or and Azure, on a chief two pales, the corners gyronny, overall an escutcheon Argent Daughter of: Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence and Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster.

Married to: Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March; 1368–1381.

Arms of the House of Mortimer.svg
Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March 1352–1381 Barry of six, Or and Azure, on a chief two pales, the corners gyronny, overall an escutcheon Argent (Mortimer) Son of: Roger Mortimer, Earl of March and Philippa Montacute.
Arms of the Earl of March.svg
Roger Mortimer, Earl of March 1374–1398 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Barry of six, Or and Azure, on a chief two pales, the corners gyronny, overall an escutcheon Argent (Mortimer), 2nd and 3rd Or, a cross Gules (de Burgh) Son of: Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March and Philippa of Clarence, Countess of Ulster.
Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg
Alianore Holland, Countess of March 1370–1405 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, within a bordure Argent (Kent) Daughter of: Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent and Alice Holland.

Married to: Roger Mortimer, Earl of March; 1388–1398.

Arms of Anne de Mortimer, Countess of Cambridge.svg
Anne Mortimer, Countess of Cambridge 1390–1411 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with three torteaux Gules, within a bordure Argent charged with lions rampant purpure, impaling, Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Barry of six, Or and Azure, on a chief two pales, the corners gyronny, overall an escutcheon Argent (Mortimer), 2nd and 3rd Or, a cross Gules (de Burgh) Daughter of: Roger Mortimer, Earl of March and Alianore Holland, Countess of March.

Married to: Richard of Conisburgh, Earl of Cambridge; 1408–1411.


John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster.svg Arms of John of Gaunt, King of Castile.svg John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster 1340–1399 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points ermine

Quarterly, Castile and Leon, impaling, quarterly, France and England, a label of three points ermine

Son of: King Edward III and Queen Philippa.

See: House of Lancaster

Arms of Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster.svg
Blanche of Lancaster 1345–1369 England a label of France (Old Lancaster) Daughter of: Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster and Isabel of Beaumont.

Married to: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; 1359–1369.

Arms of Castille (English heraldry).svg
Constance of Castile 1354–1394 Quarterly, Castile and Leon (Kingdom of Castile) Daughter of: King Peter of Castile and María de Padilla.

Married to: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; 1371–1394.

Arms of Katherine Swynford (de Roet).svg
Katherine Swynford 1350–1403 Gules, three Catherine wheels Or (Roet) Daughter of: Payne de Roet.

Married to: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; 1396–1399.


Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York.svg
Edmund of Langley, Duke of York 1341–1402 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with three torteaux Gules Son of: King Edward III and Queen Philippa.

See: House of York

Arms of Castille (English heraldry).svg
Isabella of Castille 1355–1392 Quarterly, Castille and Leon (Kingdom of Castille) Daughter of: King Peter of Castile and María de Padilla.

Married to: Edmund of Langley, Duke of York; 1372–1392.

Arms of Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent.svg
Joan Holland 1380–1434 Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, within a bordure Argent (Kent) Daughter of: Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent and Alice Holland.

Married to: Edmund of Langley, Duke of York; 1393–1402.


Descendants of Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester.svg
Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester 1355–1397 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure Argent Son of: King Edward III and Queen Philippa.
Arms of the House of de Bohun.svg
Eleanor de Bohun 1366–1399 Azure, a bend Argent between two cotise and six lions rampant Or (de Bohun) Daughter of: Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Joan de Bohun.

Married to: Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester; 1374–1397.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester.svg
Humphrey, Earl of Buckingham 1381–1399 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure Argent Son of: Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester and Eleanor de Bohun.
Arms of Anne of Gloucester, Countess of Stafford.svg
Anne of Gloucester, Countess of Stafford 1383–1438 Or, a chevron Gules (Stafford), impaling, Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure Argent Daughter of: Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester and Eleanor de Bohun.

Married to: Edmund Stafford, Earl of Stafford.

House of Lancaster

Colour key
(Line of descent)

     Monarchs      Paternal descent      Maternal descent      Consorts      Illegitimate descent      Collaterals

Descendants of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford.svg Arms of Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford and Lancaster.svg Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford and Lancaster
(later King Henry IV)
1366–1413 As Duke of Hereford:

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of five points ermine (Richmond)

As Duke of Lancaster and Hereford:

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of five points two of ermine (Richmond) and three Azure flory Or (Lancaster)

Son of: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Blanche of Lancaster.
Arms of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset (Bastard).svg Arms of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset.svg John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset 1373–1410 Per pale, Argent and Azure, over all on a bend Gules three lions passant guardant Or with a label of three points Azure each charges with three fleur de lys Or

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure

Illegitimate Son (legitimated in 1396) of: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Katherine Swynford.

See: House of Beaufort

Arms of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset.svg
Henry Beaufort, Cardinal of St. Eusebius and Bishop of Winchester 1374–1447 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure Illegitimate Son (legitimated in 1396) of: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Katherine Swynford.
Arms of Thomas Beaufort, 1st Duke of Exeter.svg Arms of Thomas Beaufort, 1st Duke of Exeter moderne.svg Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter 1377–1426 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Azure and Ermine Illegitimate Son (legitimated in 1396) of: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Katherine Swynford.


Descendants of Henry IV of England

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1340-1367).svg Royal Arms of England (1399-1603).svg King Henry IV 1366–1413 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England

Changed to France moderne in line with changes made in that kingdom: Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England

Son of: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Blanche of Lancaster.

In 1376, the kings of France altered the royal coat of arms, replacing the field semée fleurs de lys with three fleurs de lys, alluding to the Trinity. This new design is referred to as France Moderne, the previous one being France Ancien. From about 1400 the kings of England imitated this change. As modified, the monarchs of England continued to bear arms in this form until the crown union with Scotland in 1603.

First king of the House of Lancaster.

Arms of the House of de Bohun.svg
Mary de Bohun 1370–1394 Azure, a bend Argent between two cotise and six lions rampant Or (de Bohun) Daughter of: Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Joan FitzAlan.

Married to: Henry Bolingbroke (later King Henry IV); 1380–1394.

Arms of Joan of Navarre.svg
Joan of Navarre 1370–1437 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien and a baston gobony Argent and Gules (Evreux), 2nd and 3rd, Gules, a cross, a saltire and an orle of chain linked together Or (Navarre) Daughter of: King Charles II of Navarre and Joan of Valois.

Married to: King Henry IV; 1399–1413.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of the Prince of Wales (Modern).svg
Henry of Monmouth, Prince of Wales
(later King Henry V)
1386–1422 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent Son of: King Henry IV and Mary de Bohun.
Arms of Thomas of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg
Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence 1387–1421 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points ermine, each with a canton Gules Son of: King Henry IV and Mary de Bohun.
Arms of John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford.svg
John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford 1389–1435 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of five points, the two on the dexter side ermine and each of the other three charged with three fleurs de lys Son of: King Henry IV and Mary de Bohun.
Arms of Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester.svg
Humphrey of Lancaster, Duke of Gloucester 1390–1447 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure Argent Son of: King Henry IV and Mary de Bohun.
Descendants of Henry V of England
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1399-1603).svg
King Henry V 1386–1422 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England Son of: King Henry IV and Mary de Bohun.
Arms of Catherine of Valois.svg
Catherine of Valois 1401–1437 Azure, three fleur de lys Or (France moderne) Daughter of: King Charles VI of France and Isabeau of Bavaria.

Married to: King Henry V; 1420–1422.

Later married to: Owen Tudor; 1428?–1437, progenitor of the House of Tudor.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1470-1471).svg
King Henry VI 1421–1471 France moderne, impaling, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England Son of: King Henry V and Catherine of Valois.

Throne usurped by Edward, Earl of March, who became King Edward IV in 1461.

Arms of Margaret of Anjou.svg
Margaret of Anjou 1430–1482 Quarterly of six, 1st, barry of eight Argent and Gules (Hungary), 2nd, Azure, semée of fleur de lys Or, a label of three points Gules (Naples), 3rd, Argent, a cross potent between four crosses Or (Jerusalem), 4th, Azure, semée of fleur de lys Or, a bordure Gules (Anjou), 5th Azure, semée of crosses crosslet fitchée, two barbels addorsée Or (Bar), 6th, Or, on a bend Gules three allerions Argent (Lorraine) Daughter of: King René of Naples, Duke of Anjou and Isabella of Lorraine.

Married to: King Henry VI; 1445–1471.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of the Prince of Wales (Modern).svg
Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales 1453–1471 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent Son of: King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou.

Killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury 1471.


House of York

Colour key
(Line of descent)

     Monarchs      Paternal descent      Maternal descent      Consorts      Illegitimate descent      Collaterals

Descendants of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York.svg
Edward of Norwich, Duke of York 1373–1415 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Gules each charged with three castles Or

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with three torteaux Gules

Son of: Edmund of Langley, Duke of York and Isabella of Castille.
Arms of Richard of Conisburgh, 3rd Earl of Cambridge.svg
Richard of Conisburgh, Earl of Cambridge 1385–1415 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with three torteaux Gules, within a bordure Argent charged with lions rampant purpure Son of: Edmund of Langley, Duke of York and Isabella of Castille.

Executed in 1415 at the orders of King Henry V, for Treason.

Arms of Anne de Mortimer, Countess of Cambridge.svg
Anne Mortimer, Countess of Cambridge 1390–1411 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with three torteaux Gules, within a bordure Argent charged with lions rampant purpure, impaling, Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Barry of six, Or and Azure, on a chief two pales, the corners gyronny, overall an escutcheon Argent (Mortimer), 2nd and 3rd Or, a cross Gules (de Burgh) Daughter of: Roger Mortimer, Earl of March and Alianore Holland, Countess of March.

Married to: Richard of Conisburgh, Earl of Cambridge; 1408–1411.

Heiress of the House of Clarence.

Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York (Variant).svg Arms of Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York.svg Richard of York, Duke of York 1411–1460 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, quarterly, France moderne, and England, overall a label of three points each charged with three torteaux Gules, 2nd, quarterly, Castile and Leon, 3rd, quarterly, Mortimer and de Burgh, and overall and inescutcheon Gules, three passant guardant Or, a bordure Argent

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with three torteaux Gules

Son of: Richard of Conisburgh, Earl of Cambridge, Duke of York and Anne Mortimer.

Originator of the claim of the House of York to the throne, by combining the claims of Clarence (from his mother) and York (from his father).

Descendants of Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York.svg
Richard of York, Duke of York 1411–1460 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France modern, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with three torteaux Gules Son of: Richard of Conisburgh, Earl of Cambridge, Duke of York and Anne Mortimer.

Originator of the claim of the House of York to the throne.

Defeated and killed at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460.

Arms of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York.svg
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York 1415–1495 Gules a saltire Argent (Neville) Daughter of: Ralph de Neville, Earl of Westmorland and Joan Beaufort (daughter of John of Gaunt).

Married to: Richard of York, Duke of York; 1429–1460.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Elizabeth of York (Princess).svg
Edward, Earl of March
(later King Edward IV)
1442–1483 Quarterly, 1st, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, 2nd and 3rd Or, a cross Gules (de Burgh), 4th Barry of six, Or and Azure, on a chief two pales, the corners gyronny, overall an escutcheon Argent (Mortimer) Son of: Richard of York, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.
Arms of Edmund, Earl of Rutland.svg
Edmund, Earl of Rutland 1443–1460 Quarterly, 1st, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of five points Argent the two dexter points charged with lions rampant purpure and three sinister points each with three torteaux, 2nd and 3rd de Burgh, 4th Mortimer Son of: Richard of York, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.

Killed after the Battle of Wakefield.

Arms of George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg
George, Duke of Clarence 1449–1478 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with a canton Gules Son of: Richard of York, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.
Arms of Thomas of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg
Richard, Duke of Gloucester
(later King Richard III)
1452–1485 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points ermine each charged with a canton Gules (same as Thomas of Lancaster) Son of: Richard of York, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.
Descendants of Edward IV of England
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1399-1603).svg
King Edward IV 1442–1483 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England Son of: Richard of York, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.

Declared king in 1461, usurping the crown from the weak King Henry VI.

First king of the House of York.

Arms of Elizabeth Woodville.svg
Elizabeth Woodville 1437–1492 Quarterly of six, 1st, Agent, a lion rampant double queued gules, crowned Or (Luxembourg), 2nd, quarterly 1st and 4th, Gules, a star of eight points Argent, 2nd and 3rd, Azure semée of fleurs de lys Or (de Baux d' Andrée), 3rd, Barry Argent and Azure, overall a lion rampant Gules (Lusignan of Cyprus), 4th, Gules, three bendlets Argent, on a chief of the first, charged with a fillet in base Or, a rose of the second (Ursins), 5th, Gules, three pallets vairy, on a chief Or a label five points Azure (St. Pol), 6th, Argent, a fess and a canton conjoined Gules (Woodville) Daughter of: Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers and Jacquetta of Luxembourg.

Married to: Sir John Grey; 1452–1461.

Married to: King Edward IV; 1464–1483.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Elizabeth of York (Princess).svg
Elizabeth of York 1466–1503 Quarterly, 1st, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, 2nd and 3rd de Burgh, 4th Mortimer Daughter of: King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville.

Married to: King Henry VII; 1486–1503.

Arms of the Prince of Wales (Modern).svg
Edward, Prince of Wales
(later King Edward V)
1470–1483? Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent Son of: King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville.

One of the two: Princes in the Tower.

Arms of Richard of Shrewsbury, 1st Duke of York.svg
Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York 1473–1483? Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent on the first point a canton Gules Son of: King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville.

One of the two: Princes in the Tower.

Arms of Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle.svg Arms of Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle (after 1511).svg Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisle ?–1542 Quarterly, 1st, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, 2nd and 3rd de Burgh, 4th Mortimer, overall a baston sinister Azure

Quarterly, 1st, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, 2nd and 3rd de Burgh, 4th Mortimer, overall a baston sinister Azure, and over all an escutcheon of pretence quarterly of six: 1st, barry of six argent and azure, in chief three torteaux (Grey); 2nd, barry of ten argent and azure, an orle of martlets gules (Valence); 3rd, gules, seven mascles three, three, one or (Quincy); over these three quarterings a label of three points ermine; 4th, gules, a lion rampant within a bordure engrailed or (Talbot); 5th, gules, a fess between six cross croslets or (Beauchamp); 6th, gules, a lion statant guardant argent, crowned or (L'Isle).

Illegitimate son of: King Edward IV.

Imprisoned in 1540 at the orders of King Henry VIII for treason. Died two days after receiving the news he was to be released.

Descendants of George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence.svg
George, Duke of Clarence 1449–1478 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent each point charged with a canton Gules Son of: Richard of York, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.

Executed in 1478 at the orders of King Edward IV (his own brother), for having designs on the throne.

Arms of Isabel Neville, Duchess of Clarence.svg
Isabel Neville, Duchess of Clarence 1451–1476 Gules a saltire Argent, a label of three points gobony, Argent and Azure (Neville) Daughter of: Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and Anne de Beauchamp.

Married to: George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence; 1469–1476.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury.svg
Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury 1473–1541 Quarterly, 1st, Quarterly, France modern and England, a label of three points Argent each charged with a canton Gules (Clarence), 2nd, Gules a saltire Argent, a label of three points gobony Argent and Azure (Neville), impaling Gules, a fess between six crosses crosslet Or (Beauchamp), 3rd, Chequy Or and Azure, a chevron ermine (Newburgh), impaling Argent, three lozenges conjoined in fess Gules (Montacute), 4th, Or, an eagle displayed Vert (Monthermer), impaling Quarterly 1st and 4th, Or, three chevrons Gules (Clare), 2nd and 3rd, Quarterly, Argent and Gules, a fret Or, overall a bendlett Sable (Despencer) Daughter of: George, Duke of Clarence and Isabel Neville.

Married to: Sir Richard Pole; 1487–1505?.

Matriarch of the Pole family; mother of Cardinal Reginald Pole, later Archbishop of Canterbury.

Executed in 1541 at the orders of King Henry VIII for treason.

Later beatified by the Catholic Church as Blessed.

Arms of Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick.svg
Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick 1475–1499 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points gobony, Argent and Azure (Neville) Son of: George, Duke of Clarence and Isabel Neville.

Nominated heir of King Richard III in 1484.

Executed in 1499 at the orders of King Henry VII for treason.

Last legitimate male-line member of the House of Plantagenet.

Descendants of Richard III of England
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Royal Arms of England (1399-1603).svg
King Richard III 1452–1485 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England Son of: Richard of York, Duke of York and Cecily Neville.

Defeated and killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, fighting against Henry Tudor, later King Henry VII.

Last legitimate male-line Plantagenet king.

Arms of Anne Neville.svg Arms of Anne Neville (Variant).svg Anne Neville 1456–1485 Quarterly of seven, 1st, Gules, a fess between six crosses crosslet Or (Beauchamp), 2nd, Chequy Or and Azure, a chevron ermine (Newburgh), 3rd, Argent, three lozenges conjoined in fess Gules (Montacute), 4th, Or, an eagle displayed Vert (Monthermer), 5th, Gules a saltire Argent, a label of three points gobony Argent and Azure (Neville), 6th, Or, three chevrons Gules (Clare), 7th, Quarterly, Argent and Gules, a fret Or, overall a bendlett Sable (Despencer)

Gules, a saltire Argent

Daughter of: Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and Anne de Beauchamp.

Married to: Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales; 1470–1471.

Married to: King Richard III; 1472–1485.

Anne sometimes bore her father, Warwick the Kingmaker's, full achievement, however at other times she also bore the arms of Neville without difference.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of the Prince of Wales (Modern).svg
Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales 1473–1484 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, with a label of three points Argent Son of: King Richard III and Anne Neville,

Died at age 10 in 1484, Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick nominated heir in his place.


House of Beaufort

Colour key
(Line of descent)

     Monarchs      Paternal descent      Maternal descent      Consorts      Illegitimate descent      Collaterals

Descendants of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset (Bastard).svg Arms of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset.svg John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset 1373–1410 Per pale, Argent and Azure, over all on a bend Gules three lions passant guardant Or with a label of three points Azure each charges with three fleur de lys Or

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure

Illegitimate Son (legitimated in 1396) of: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Katherine Swynford.
Arms of Margaret Holland, Countess of Somerset.svg Margaret Holland, Countess of Somerset 1385–1439 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure, impaling, Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, within a bordure Argent Daughter of: Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent and Alice Holland, Countess of Kent

Married to: John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset; 1399–1410

Married to: Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence; 1411–1421

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Beaufort Arms (France modern).svg John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset 1403–1444 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure Son of: John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset and Margaret Holland.
Arms of Margaret Beauchamp.svg Margaret Beauchamp 1406–1482 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure, impaling, Gules, on a fess Or a mullet Sable, between six martlets, three, two and one, of the second (Beauchamp) Daughter of: John Beauchamp of Bletso and Edith Stourton.

Married to: Sir Oliver St John, of Bletsoe; 1425–1437.

Married to: John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset; 1439–1444.

Married to: Lionel de Welles, Baron Welles; 1447–1461.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Beaufort Arms (France modern).svg Arms of Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond.svg Lady Margaret Beaufort 1443–1509 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure

Quarterly, France moderne and England, a bordure Azure charged alternatively with fleurs de lys and martlets Or, impaling, Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure

Daughter of: John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset and Margaret Beauchamp.

Married to: Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond; 1455–1456.

Married to: Sir Henry Stafford; 1462–1471.

Married to: Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby; 1472–1504.

Arms of Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond.svg Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond 1430–1456 Quarterly, France moderne and England, a bordure Azure charged alternatively with fleurs de lys and martlets Or Son of: Sir Owen Tudor and Catherine of Valois.

Half brother to King Henry VI, legitimated by Parliament in 1453.

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond.svg Royal Arms of England (1399-1603).svg Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond
(later King Henry VII)
1457–1509 Quarterly, France moderne and England, a bordure Azure charged alternatively with fleurs de lys and martlets Or

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England

Son of: Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond and Lady Margaret Beaufort.

Defeats King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, claims the throne as King Henry VII.

See: House of Tudor

Arms of Elizabeth of York (Princess).svg Arms of Elizabeth of York.svg Elizabeth of York 1466–1503 Quarterly, 1st, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, 2nd and 3rd de Burgh, 4th Mortimer Daughter of: King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville.

Married to: King Henry VII; 1486–1503.

Heiress of the House of York.


Descendants of Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset

Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester.svg Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester, K.G. 1460–1526 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France ancien, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure (Beaufort)with argent baton sinister, with escutcheon of pretence of per pale azure and gules, three lions rampant argent, 2 and 1 Herbert. An illegitimate son of Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset by his mistress Joan Hill. He was invested as a Knight of the Garter in about 1496. On 1 February 1514 he was created Earl of Worcester and was at some time appointed Lord Chamberlain of the Household to King Henry VIII. As Lord Chamberlain, Somerset was largely responsible for the preparations for the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520. He was a favourite of Henry VII and Henry VIII
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester.svg William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester, K.G. 1526/7–1589 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, or a fess on which is France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure (Beaufort), 2nd, per pale azure and gules, three lions rampant argent, 2 and 1 Herbert, argent a fess gules, with a canton gueules. Eldest son of Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester and his second wife Elizabeth Browne.
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Arms of Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester.svg Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester, K.G. 1550–1628 Grand quarters, 1st and 4th, quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure (Beaufort), 2nd, per pale azure and gules, three lions rampant argent, 2 and 1 Herbert, argent a fess gules, with a canton gueules. Eldest son of William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester. He was an important advisor to King James I (James VI of Scots), serving as Lord Privy Seal.
Arms Name Life Blazon Notes
Beaufort Arms (France modern).svg Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort, K.G., PC 1629–1700 Quarterly, 1st and 4th, France moderne, 2nd and 3rd England, within a bordure componée Argent and Azure (Beaufort). Eldest son of Edward Somerset, 2nd Marquess of Worcester. He was a Welsh politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1654 and 1667, when he succeeded his father as 3rd Marquess of Worcester. He was styled Lord Herbert from 1644 until 3 April 1667. The Dukedom of Beaufort was bestowed upon him by King Charles II in 1682. He is the ancestor of the current Somersets, and so the Dukes of Beaufort and the Barons Raglan. The current head of the house is Henry Somerset, 12th Duke of Beaufort.


See also

kids search engine
Armorial of the House of Plantagenet Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.