Births on January 26

Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, Lancastrian military commander (d. 1464)

Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset (born 26 January 1436, died 15 May 1464), was a pivotal figure and a prominent military commander for the House of Lancaster during the tumultuous English Wars of the Roses. His life, though brief, was deeply entwined with the dynastic struggle for the English throne.

As a leading Lancastrian noble, the 3rd Duke of Somerset played a crucial role in many significant engagements of the Wars of the Roses, a brutal series of civil wars fought primarily between the rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster (symbolized by a red rose) and the House of York (symbolized by a white rose). These conflicts, spanning from 1455 to 1487, fundamentally reshaped the English aristocracy and monarchy. Henry Beaufort’s command during these battles, despite fluctuating outcomes, underscored his dedication to the Lancastrian cause.

A notable aspect of his lineage is the numbering of his ducal title. While commonly recognized as the 3rd Duke of Somerset, historical records sometimes refer to him as the 2nd Duke. This apparent discrepancy arises because the Dukedom of Somerset, originally created for his uncle John Beaufort in 1443, was subsequently re-created for his father, Edmund Beaufort, after John's death without male heirs. Therefore, Henry inherited the re-created title, making him the 3rd in succession to hold the dignity, but effectively the second son of a Duke to hold it. The Beaufort family itself held significant prestige, being legitimized descendants of John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, through his liaison with Katherine Swynford, a lineage that granted them considerable influence in English politics and close ties to the Lancastrian crown.

Beyond the Dukedom of Somerset, Henry Beaufort also inherited and held several other important subsidiary peerage titles. These included the 5th Earl of Somerset, a title that traced its origins back further within the Beaufort family, as well as the 2nd Marquess of Dorset and 2nd Earl of Dorset. These multiple titles not only reflected his high social standing and extensive landholdings but also underscored his powerful position within the English aristocracy of the 15th century.

His military career was marked by both significant involvement and ultimately, tragedy. He commanded Lancastrian forces at the devastating Battle of Towton in 1461, one of the largest and bloodiest battles on English soil, which resulted in a decisive Yorkist victory and forced Henry to flee into exile with King Henry VI. Despite a brief period where he attempted to reconcile with King Edward IV of York, Henry Beaufort ultimately returned to the Lancastrian fold. He continued to fight for the deposed King Henry VI until his capture and execution following the Lancastrian defeat at the Battle of Hexham on 15 May 1464. His death marked a significant blow to the Lancastrian cause and effectively ended his prominent family line's direct claim to the Somerset dukedom for a time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset

Who was Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset?

Henry Beaufort (1436–1464) was a key Lancastrian military commander during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England. He was a prominent member of the powerful Beaufort family, closely allied with the Lancastrian branch of the royal family.

What was his role in the Wars of the Roses?

He served as a leading general for the House of Lancaster, participating in major battles such as the First Battle of St Albans (1455), the Battle of Wakefield (1460), the Battle of Towton (1461), and ultimately the Battle of Hexham (1464), where he was captured and subsequently executed.

Why is he sometimes referred to as the 2nd Duke of Somerset?

The Dukedom of Somerset was first created for his uncle, John Beaufort. After John's death without male heirs, the title was re-created for Henry's father, Edmund Beaufort. Therefore, Henry was the 3rd individual to hold the ducal title, but the 2nd to hold it from the re-creation through his father's line.

What other titles did Henry Beaufort hold?

Besides the Dukedom of Somerset, he also held the subsidiary titles of 5th Earl of Somerset, 2nd Marquess of Dorset, and 2nd Earl of Dorset, reflecting his high status within the English peerage.

How did Henry Beaufort's life end?

He was captured after the Lancastrian defeat at the Battle of Hexham on 15 May 1464 and was subsequently executed by the Yorkists on the same day. His death was a significant loss for the Lancastrian cause.