Thomas Beaufort, KG, Duke of Exeter, 1381-1426
France quartering England with a border compony Azure and Ermine.
The arms shown and blazoned above are those given him after legitimation in 1397.
Thomas Beaufort was the fourth of the four children born to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and his then mistress Katherine Swynford.
Thomas was an English military commander during the Hundred Years’ War, and served as Chancellor of England from 31 Jan 1410 to 5 Jan 1412 under Henry IV. Later in 1412 Henry IV made him Earl of Dorest.
Under Henry V he was appointed Commander of Harfleur, France in 1415.
He might have been at Agincourt on 25 Oct 1415 or might not. We have checked with friends in England who have found no record or listing of Thomas being at the battle.
Further, he is not listed as one of the major English commanders which he likely would have been had he been present.
Henry V appointed Thomas Lieutenant of Normandy in 1416. Later, in the same year the King created him Duke of Exeter.
During his career he served under Henry IV, Henry V, and Henry VI.
He married Margaret Neville ( 1377-1413) daughter of Sir Thomas Neville of Hornby, they had a son, Henry who died young
2018 1026
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