The illigitimate son of John of Gaunt (1340-1399) legitimised by Richard II in 1397, Bishop of Lincloln (1398), Chancellor (1403, 1413 & 1424), Bishop of Winchester (1404) and Cardinal (1426).
Beaufort combined political intrigue with trading which included wool, silver mining in Cornwall and Devon and money lending. His wealth allowed him to lend money to kings to finance wars and at one time he held the royal crown in "pawn".
Henry VI was crowned King of France by Beaufort in 1431 and he was one of the judges at the trial of Joan of Arc.
Beaufort held important political positions during the reigns of Henry IV, V & VI. As Cardinal, he was active against the Hussites.
His enemy, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, attempted to overthrow Beaufort but without success.
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