John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset
| John Beaufort | |
|---|---|
| Earl of Somerset | |
Drawing of an alabaster tomb effigy of John Beaufort, wearing a Collar of Esses and plate armour, Canterbury Cathedral | |
| Born | c. 1373 |
| Died | 16 March 1410 (aged ~37) Hospital of St Katharine's by the Tower, London, England |
| Burial | St Michael's Chapel, Canterbury Cathedral |
| Spouse | Margaret Holland |
| Issue Detail | |
| House | Beaufort |
| Father | John of Gaunt |
| Mother | Katherine Swynford |
John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset (c. 1373 – 16 March 1410), known as the Marquess of Somerset and Marquess of Dorset from 1397–99, was an English nobleman and politician. Beaufort was the second son of John of Gaunt (1340–1399; third surviving son of King Edward III), eldest of the four children by his mistress Katherine Swynford, whom he later married in 1396.
The Beaufort children were declared legitimate twice by parliament, first during the reign of King Richard II, in 1397, which was confirmed by Henry IV, as well as by Pope Boniface IX in September 1396.