John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Beaufort
1st Duke of Somerset
John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset, detail from his effigy in Wimborne Minster, Dorset
Earl of Somerset
Predecessor	Henry Beaufort, 2nd Earl of Somerset (elder brother)
Successor	Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset (younger brother)
Born	25 March 1404
Died	30 May 1444(1444-05-30) (aged 40)
Buried	Wimborne Minster church
Family	Beaufort
Spouse	Margaret Beauchamp
Issue Detail	Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby
Father	John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset
Mother	Margaret Holland

This is the tomb of John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset, and his wife at Wimborne Minster in Dorset.

John Beaufort, born on March 25, 1404, was an important English nobleman and military leader. He lived during the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between England and France. He was also the grandfather of King Henry VII, who started the famous Tudor family in England. John Beaufort held the titles of 1st Duke of Somerset and 3rd Earl of Somerset.

John Beaufort's Family Background

The family crest of the Beauforts. It shows the English royal arms with a special border to show they are related to the royal family.

John Beaufort was born into a powerful family. His father was John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset. His grandfather was John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who was a son of King Edward III. This means John Beaufort was closely related to the royal family.

His mother was Margaret Holland. Her grandmother, Joan of Kent, was also connected to the royal family, as she was the mother of King Richard II.

John Beaufort's Military Career

In 1418, when he was 14, John Beaufort became the 3rd Earl of Somerset. This happened after his older brother, Henry, died while fighting in France. Henry was only 17 and had no children.

Fighting in France and Being Captured

John Beaufort joined the English army in France in 1419, fighting alongside his cousin, King Henry V. In 1421, he went on another campaign with his stepfather, Thomas of Lancaster. During the Battle of Baugé, Thomas was killed, and John Beaufort, along with his younger brother, was captured by the French.

He stayed in prison for 17 long years. Even though he turned 21 in 1425, his mother had to manage his family lands because he was still a prisoner. Finally, in 1438, he was set free after a ransom was paid. He then became one of England's main military commanders in France.

Becoming Duke of Somerset

This is a special plate from St. George's Chapel, Windsor, showing John Beaufort's family crest and symbols. It's one of the oldest plates to show animal supporters holding the shield.

In 1443, John Beaufort was given the important title of Duke of Somerset. He also became the Earl of Kendal and a Knight of the Garter, which is a very special award. He was put in charge of the English forces in a region of France called Guyenne.

During this time, England started to lose a lot of its land in France. John Beaufort was not always the best commander. He was also appointed Admiral of the Sea and helped in the siege of Harfleur, a French town. The English managed to take back Harfleur.

Later, there were some disagreements between John Beaufort and other important English leaders, like Richard, Duke of York. These disagreements were about who should lead the army and how money was being spent.

John Beaufort's Death and Burial

In August 1443, John Beaufort led 7,000 soldiers to France. He was not well at the time. He made a mistake by attacking a town in Brittany, even though England had a peace treaty with that area. He then wandered aimlessly through another region of France before returning to England in the winter.

John Beaufort died on May 30, 1444. His actions in France caused a lot of anger and bad feelings between the House of York and the Beaufort family. These tensions later played a part in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England. He was buried at Wimborne Minster church.

Marriage and Children

In 1439, John Beaufort married Margaret Beauchamp. They had one daughter:

• Lady Margaret Beaufort (born 1443, died 1509): She married Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond. Their son was Henry VII, who became the first king of the Tudor family.

Succession to Titles

Since John Beaufort had no sons, his title of Duke of Somerset ended when he died. However, his title of Earl of Somerset passed to his younger brother, Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset. Edmund was later also made Duke of Somerset, so he is often called the 2nd Duke of Somerset, even though he didn't inherit that specific title directly from John.

Other Children

John Beaufort also had two children outside of his marriage:

• Tacine of Somerset: She married Reynold Grey, Lord Grey of Wilton, and they had a son named John Grey.
• John of Somerset (born around 1444, died 1453)

Titles John Beaufort Held

• 1st Duke of Somerset (from August 28, 1443, to May 27, 1444)
• 1st Earl of Kendal (from August 28, 1443, to May 27, 1444)
• 3rd Earl of Somerset (from November 25, 1418, to May 27, 1444)

Family Tree

See also

In Spanish: Juan Beaufort (1404-1444) para niños