William Beaumont, 2nd Viscount Beaumont facts for kids
William Beaumont (born April 1438 – died December 19, 1507) was an important English nobleman, soldier, and landowner. He was a strong supporter of the Lancastrian side during the Wars of the Roses, a big fight over who should be king of England.
He was the son of John Beaumont and Elizabeth Phelip. William was born in Edenham, Lincolnshire. We know he was baptized on April 23, 1438.
Contents
The Wars of the Roses
William Beaumont lived a quiet life until the big conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster turned into open war. Even though he often said he wanted to stay out of trouble, he eventually joined the Lancastrian side.
Fighting in Battles
William fought in many major battles during the Wars of the Roses. He was likely made a knight before the Battle of Northampton in 1460, where his father was killed. He also fought in the Battle of Towton, which was the bloodiest battle ever fought in England.
After the Battle of Towton, William was captured. He also lost his lands and titles because he was on the losing side. Even though he received a pardon, his lands were given to another lord, Lord Hastings. This made it very hard for William to ever make peace with King Edward IV, who was from the Yorkist side.
Challenges and Comebacks
When King Henry VI (a Lancastrian) became king again in November 1470, William got his lands and titles back. However, King Edward IV returned to England soon after. William joined forces with the Duke of Exeter to stop Edward, but they were not strong enough. They had to let Edward march south to London.
William fought again at the Battle of Barnet, but he and his commander, the Earl of Oxford, had to escape. With Edward IV back on the throne, William lost his lands and titles once more.
Between 1471 and 1474, William was constantly fighting. He helped hold places like St Michael's Mount for the Lancastrians in 1473. But bad luck continued, and in 1474, he was captured and put in prison. Later, he was freed and joined Henry Tudor, who would become King Henry VII. William fought with Henry Tudor against King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485.
After Henry Tudor won and became king, William's lands and titles were given back to him for the second time in November 1485.
Later Life and Health
By 1487, it was reported that William Beaumont was having health problems that affected his mind. Parliament decided he was no longer able to manage his estates. So, they gave control of his lands to his friend and former comrade-in-arms, John de Vere, the Earl of Oxford. William and his family lived with Oxford for the rest of his life.
We don't know exactly what his health issue was. However, some records suggest he was sometimes clear-headed. For example, he witnessed a legal document in 1488. Also, in 1498, an inscription in his name mentioned giving a book to his wife.
William Beaumont died on December 19, 1507, when he was 69 years old. He died at Oxford's home in Wivenhoe, where he is also buried. The Beaumont family was one of only a few important families who stayed against the Yorkist side throughout the entire Wars of the Roses.
Family and Legacy
William Beaumont first married Joan Stafford on August 6, 1462. This marriage ended before 1477. He then married Elizabeth Scrope. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Scrope.
William also had a child, John Francis Beaumont, around 1459. While William never officially recognized John as his heir, he did make sure John received an education and was cared for.
When William Beaumont died, his title of Viscount Beaumont ended in both England and France. Because there were disagreements among his relatives, the title was not passed on to anyone else.
