Thomas Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas de Beauchamp
|
|
|---|---|
Monumental effigies of Thomas de Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick, and his wife Margaret Ferrers. He displays the arms of Beauchamp on his surcoat, she displays the arms of Ferrers of Groby on her mantle, and above impaled by Beauchamp. On top is the Bear and Ragged Staff cognisance of the Earls of Warwick. At left and quartered at right are the arms of Newburgh, Earl of Warwick. Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
|
|
| Born | 16 March 1338 |
| Died | 8 April 1401 (aged 63) |
| Title | Earl of Warwick |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Ferrers |
| Issue | Richard Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick Lady Katherine Beauchamp Lady Margaret Beauchamp |
|
|
|
Thomas de Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick (born March 16, 1338 – died April 8, 1401) was an important English nobleman. He was a member of the Order of the Garter, a special group of knights. Thomas de Beauchamp was also known for being a major opponent of King Richard II.
Contents
Family Background
Thomas de Beauchamp was the son of Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick. His mother was Katherine Mortimer, who was the daughter of Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March.
A Life of Public Service
Thomas de Beauchamp became a knight around 1355. He joined John of Gaunt in military campaigns in France in 1373. Around this time, he was also made a Knight of the Garter. This was a very high honor.
In the English Parliament, Thomas de Beauchamp was chosen to help improve how King Richard II's government worked. When these efforts did not go as planned, he was given a role to guide the King. From 1377 to 1378, he was also appointed as the Admiral of the North, which meant he was in charge of naval forces in the northern seas. In 1385, he brought many soldiers and archers to King Richard's campaign in Scotland.
Challenges with King Richard II
In 1387, Thomas de Beauchamp became one of the Lords Appellant. This group of powerful noblemen wanted to reduce the influence of King Richard II's close friends.
Later, in 1397, after King Richard regained more power, Thomas de Beauchamp was called to London. He was accused of serious political disagreement with the King. He was held in the Tower of London, in a part now called the "Beauchamp Tower." He admitted to the charges and asked for the King's mercy. As a result, he lost his lands and titles. He was sentenced to spend his life in prison on the Isle of Man.
However, the next year, he was moved back to the Tower of London. He remained there until August 1399. He was finally set free after Henry Bolingbroke took control from King Richard II.
Restored to Power
After Henry Bolingbroke became King Henry IV, Thomas de Beauchamp got his titles and lands back. He was one of the people who encouraged the new King to deal with Richard. He also joined King Henry in stopping a rebellion in 1400.
Marriage and Children
.svg)
Thomas de Beauchamp married Margaret Ferrers. She was the daughter of William Ferrers, 3rd Baron Ferrers of Groby. Together, Thomas and Margaret had several children, including:
- Richard de Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick (1382–1439), who became his heir.
- Agnes de Beauchamp.
Death and Legacy
Thomas de Beauchamp passed away in 1401. His son, Richard de Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick, took over his titles and lands. Thomas de Beauchamp was buried with his wife Margaret in the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick. Sadly, their tomb was destroyed in a fire in 1694. However, a special brass plaque from their tomb survived and can still be seen at St Mary's Church today.
