The Rise and Fall of the Beauforts: Lineage, Ambition and Obligation 1373-1510

Four bastard children of John of Gaunt and his mistress Katherine Swynford vigorously made their way in the world despite their questionable origin, and when all four were retrospectively declared legitimate they were each set on course for advancement.

Following the coup in 1399 when their half-brother became King Henry IV the Beauforts were placed at the center of government, and for three generations they served the Lancastrian monarchy in its grandiose ambitions, and in its decline to e...