Margaret Beaufort Part 1

(Margaret Beaufort)

On the 28th January 1457 in Pembroke Castle a 13 year old girl was in labour, she gave birth to a boy, between him and his children they would go on to rule England for more then 100 years, his name was Henry but we would know him as King Henry VII . He had a very loose claim to the throne yet he went on to win a war that had begun 2 years before he was even born.

We know a lot about Henry VII but what do we know about the woman who brought him into this world, she was a teenager whose husband had died 3 months before her son's birth. She worked her way up the social ladder, became friends with 2 different kings and then finally put her own son on the throne. Her name was Margaret Beaufort and I think she was a remarkable lady.

(Bletsoe Castle in 1800's)

Margaret Beaufort was born 31st May 1443 (although some speculate it could have been 1441), in Bletsoe Castle in Bedfordshire. She was the daughter of John Beaufort Duke of Somerset, his father was John of Gaunt who was the son of King Edward III and his mother was John of Gaunt's mistress (and later 3rd wife) Katherine Swynford.

(John Beaufort)

When Margaret was only a year old her father was entrusted to lead a military expedition to France, while there he was captured and found guilty of treason. Before departing John made an arrangement with King Henry VI that in the event of his death, Margaret's wardship and would be granted to her mother (under feudal law her wardship was suppose to be decided by the crown), the King agreed but later went back on his word and Margaret was made the ward of William de la Pole the Earl of Suffolk. As she was her father's only legitimate heir Margaret was now one of the richest heiresses in England and her marriage was highly sort after. The Earl of Suffolk married Margaret to his son but the marriage was later dissolved.

In 1455 King Henry VI decided to marry Margaret off to his younger half brother Edmund Tudor Earl of Richmond  he was 24, she was 12. Edmund was the son of Catherine Of Valois (she had been the wife of King Henry V) and a Welsh courtier Owen Tudor.  Although they were married, consummating was out of the question, as even by these times Margaret was still very young, but it seem's Edmund did not wait as Margaret became pregnant by the time she had turned 13.

(Edmund Tudor)

Edmund, who was a Lancastrian, was called up to fight in the War of the Roses, so he left his pregnant wife in Pembroke and went to war, he was later captured by Yorkist troops and died 3rd November 1456 of the plague, his only child was born 2 months later.

Margaret was 13 years old and was very small in stature so labour for her was very hard, at one point the women in attendance thought that both Margaret and her child would die. Thankfully neither did but Margaret would never carry another child.

Jasper Tudor, Edmund's brother, became protector to Margaret and young Henry. They were able to live comfortably because of their connection to King Henry VI but since the Wars of the Roses had began, the monarchy was not stable and if King Henry were to be taken off the throne that comfort would stop. During this time Pembroke Castle was invaded by Yorkist troops and was taken over by Lord Herbert of Raglan. He also took all of young Henry Tudor's wealth and titles. In order for her son to be safe and to restore his fortune Margaret needed to be smart and strong, she would need to marry again and fast.

Her third marriage at the age of 14 years old, was to a noble man Henry Stafford. She sadly could not bring her son with her when she remarried so he was left in Wales with his uncle Jasper as his protector. Marring Henry Stafford was a very smart move for Margaret she was also able to have protection for herself and her son and work on regaining her son's fortune.

In 1461 King Edward IV's troops defeated the Lancaster army and he was crowned King. Henry Stafford and Margaret had to be very savvy, as they were both Lancastrian's by birth, they now had to switch sides. Thankfully for them Edward was forgiving and on 25th June 1461 they were both pardoned and welcomed at court.

(King Edward IV)

Margaret was able to bide her time and even invited Edward to a hunting party on her land. She was doing her best to convince the King that her and her husband Stafford were true supporters of him, she was basically sucking up in the hope that he would give her son back his land and titles. Sadly all hopes of this happening where dashed when in 1470 Edward's army's were overrun and King Henry VI was released from the Tower of London where he had been kept since his army was defeated 9 years before.

With Henry VI back on the throne Margaret is overjoyed at the possibility of her son finally getting back what is rightfully his. I love how no matter what was going on in England at the time all she ever wanted was the best for her son, her mothering instincts really kicked in, she was so protective to Henry.  Once again she must switch sides, this time to prove her and her families loyalties Margaret, Henry Stafford, her son Henry Tudor now 13 years old and her brother in law Jasper Tudor, all attend court to show they are true and faithful Lancastrians, they dined with the Lord Chamberlain of the time Sir Richard Turnstall and everything was forgiven.

Edward IV returned to England in 1471, Henry Stafford was asked to join his troops in order to overthrow Henry VI, he sat back and watched to see how to war was turning to see which side would win and then he eventually joined with Edward. Sadly during The Battle of Barnet he sustained injuries and on 4th October 1471 he died.

Again Margaret was alone, her sons land was still owned by the crown, but with Edward IV's win over Henry VI she was in favour for her families loyalty. June 1472 Margaret married Thomas Stanley, who's estates included what is now known as Tatton Park in Cheshire. With her loyalty shown to Edward her place at court was set and Margaret was even named godmother to one of the daughters of King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth (Woodville).

(Thomas Stanley)

So how was Henry Tudor a young welsh boy able to take over the throne of England? Find out on my next blog, Margaret Beaufort Part 2 next Thursday.

The History Chronicle
See you next week.