On the 6th March in 1340 John of Gaunt was born at the Abbey of St Bavon in Ghent in modern day Belgium. He was the son of Edward III and Philippa of Hainault, and at the height of his career he was the most powerful man in the kingdom. He became Duke of Lancaster on the death of Henry of Grosmont in 1361.
He was married three times, firstly in 1359 to Blanche of Lancaster, the daughter of the aforementioned Henry of Grosmont, secondly in 1371 to Constance of Castile, and thirdly in 1396 to Kathryn Swynsford.
He was married three times, firstly in 1359 to Blanche of Lancaster, the daughter of the aforementioned Henry of Grosmont, secondly in 1371 to Constance of Castile, and thirdly in 1396 to Kathryn Swynsford.
Gaunt's marriage to Blanche of Lancaster resulted in the birth of Henry of Bolingbroke, later Henry IV. Henry of course would force the abdication of his cousin Richard II, and in doing so usurp the throne in 1399. Gaunt's marriage to Constance of Castile is written about less, but it is played out in the descent of the kings of Castile. During his marriage to Constance, by whom he had a daughter Catherine, Gaunt would spend twenty year attempting to claim the throne of Castile, he would ultimately succeed if only via the marriage of Catherine to Henry a prince of Castle, who would become king in 1390.
It is Gaunt's relationship, and eventual marriage to Kathryn Swynsford that he is mostly remembered. This relationship resulted in four children who would bear the name of Beaufort. These children and their descendants would be prominent players in the Wars of the Roses.
It is Gaunt's relationship, and eventual marriage to Kathryn Swynsford that he is mostly remembered. This relationship resulted in four children who would bear the name of Beaufort. These children and their descendants would be prominent players in the Wars of the Roses.
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