John Beaufort, Marquess of Dorset facts for kids

John Beaufort, Marquess of Dorset, Earl of Dorset (born 1441 – died May 4, 1471) was an important member of the House of Beaufort family. He fought for the Lancastrians during the Wars of the Roses, a series of battles for the English throne.

Early Life and Family

John Beaufort was born in 1441. He was the third son of Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset. His mother was Lady Eleanor Beauchamp. She was the daughter of Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick.

Fighting in the Wars of the Roses

John's father died in 1455 at the First Battle of St Albans. This was an early battle in the Wars of the Roses. These wars were fought between two powerful families, the Lancastrians and the Yorkists. They both wanted to rule England.

John's oldest brother, Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, was killed in 1464. He died fighting for the Lancastrians at the Battle of Hexham. After Henry's death, their next brother, Edmund, became the Duke of Somerset.

At this time, John received the titles "Marquess of Dorset" and "Earl of Dorset." These were special titles given to the next person in line to inherit the Dukedom. However, King Edward IV of the House of York did not recognize these titles. This was because he was from the rival family.

John had been living away from England since 1461. He first stayed in Burgundy and then in France. In October 1470, Henry VI of the Lancastrian family took back the throne. John returned to England with his brother Edmund.

But Henry VI's rule did not last long. Just a few months later, he was removed from the throne again. The Lancastrians were forced to flee.

Final Battle and Legacy

John Beaufort died fighting in the Battle of Tewkesbury on May 4, 1471. He was fighting alongside his brother Edmund. Edmund was captured in the battle and was executed two days later.

John Beaufort never married and did not have any children. With the deaths of both John and Edmund, the main male line of the Beaufort family came to an end.