Edmund Beaufort, English commander (b. 1438)

Edmund Beaufort: A Figure in the Wars of the Roses

Edmund Beaufort, born around 1438, was a prominent English nobleman whose life was inextricably linked with the turbulent period of the Wars of the Roses. He is often styled as the 4th Duke of Somerset, a title that carried significant prestige and, at times, controversy within the deeply divided English aristocracy. Beyond this ducal claim, he also held titles as the 6th Earl of Somerset, 3rd Marquess of Dorset, and 3rd Earl of Dorset, reflecting his family's substantial influence and landholdings.

As a key military commander, Edmund Beaufort was a staunch and unwavering supporter of the Lancastrian cause, dedicating his efforts and loyalty to King Henry VI against the rival House of York. His lineage, tracing back to John of Gaunt through a legitimised but often contentious line, placed his family, the Beauforts, at the very heart of English royal politics and power struggles. This intricate web of familial connections and claims to power meant that when the dynastic conflict erupted into open warfare, Edmund was positioned squarely on the side of the reigning monarch.

Loyalty and Conflict in the Wars of the Roses

The Wars of the Roses, a brutal civil war fought intermittently between 1455 and 1487, pitted the House of Lancaster (whose emblem was a red rose) against the House of York (whose emblem was a white rose) for control of the English throne. Edmund Beaufort's commitment to King Henry VI and the Lancastrian faction was absolute. He inherited a legacy of Lancastrian loyalty from his father, also Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset, who had been a pivotal figure and ultimately fell at the First Battle of St Albans in 1455. His elder brother, Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, continued this allegiance before his own execution in 1464 after the Battle of Hexham.

Upon his brother's death, Edmund became the de facto leader of the Lancastrian remnants, especially after King Henry VI and Queen Margaret of Anjou were forced into exile. While Lancastrians recognized him as the 4th Duke of Somerset, the Yorkist regime, which had by then placed Edward IV on the throne, did not acknowledge this succession, having attainted his brother and thereby theoretically extinguishing the ducal title. This contested title underscored the deep divisions and the volatile nature of succession during the civil war.

The Battle of Tewkesbury and Edmund's Final Stand

Edmund Beaufort's military career was defined by his active participation in the major campaigns of the Wars of the Roses. He played a crucial role in the Lancastrian efforts to restore Henry VI to the throne, particularly during the brief readeption of Henry VI in 1470-1471. However, this resurgence was short-lived. The decisive moment came on 4 May 1471 at the Battle of Tewkesbury, where the Lancastrian forces, under the command of figures like Edmund Beaufort, faced a crushing defeat by the returning King Edward IV and his Yorkist army.

The Battle of Tewkesbury was catastrophic for the Lancastrian cause. Many of their leading commanders, including the Prince of Wales, Edward of Westminster, were killed during or immediately after the battle. Edmund Beaufort himself, having sought sanctuary in Tewkesbury Abbey, was reportedly dragged out along with other Lancastrian leaders. He was subsequently executed on 6 May 1471, just two days after the battle. His death marked the virtual end of the male line of the Beaufort dukes of Somerset and delivered a devastating blow to Lancastrian hopes, effectively cementing Edward IV's hold on the throne and bringing an end to a major phase of the Wars of the Roses. His demise symbolised the grim cost of loyalty in an era of relentless civil strife.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edmund Beaufort

Who was Edmund Beaufort?

Edmund Beaufort was an English nobleman and a significant military commander during the 15th-century Wars of the Roses. He was a steadfast supporter of the Lancastrian claim to the throne, serving under King Henry VI.

What titles did Edmund Beaufort hold?

He was styled as the 4th Duke of Somerset by Lancastrian loyalists, inheriting the claim after his elder brother's death. He also held titles including the 6th Earl of Somerset, 3rd Marquess of Dorset, and 3rd Earl of Dorset. The ducal title, however, was not recognized by the Yorkist regime.

What was his role in the Wars of the Roses?

Edmund Beaufort was a prominent Lancastrian commander, actively leading forces in various campaigns against the House of York. He was one of the last leading figures of the Lancastrian cause, remaining loyal to King Henry VI until his death.

When and how did Edmund Beaufort die?

Edmund Beaufort died on 6 May 1471, two days after the decisive Battle of Tewkesbury. Following the Lancastrian defeat, he was captured after seeking sanctuary and was subsequently executed by the victorious Yorkist forces.

Why is his death significant?

His death at Tewkesbury was highly significant as it effectively ended the male line of the Beaufort dukes of Somerset and removed one of the last major leaders of the Lancastrian cause. It marked a critical turning point in the Wars of the Roses, solidifying King Edward IV's control over England.