Book
Katherine Swynford
by Alison Weir
Buy the book from:
This biography tells the story of Katherine Swynford, the daughter of a Hainault knight who became governess, courtier, longtime mistress and eventually the third wife of John of Gaunt. Their relationship endured scandal, separation and political upheaval before their four Beaufort children were legitimised, creating a dynasty from which the houses of York, Tudor and Stuart would later claim descent. Weir places Katherine within the world of the late medieval court, the Hundred Years’ War and the ambitions of the Lancastrian family, while examining what can be recovered from fragmentary records. The book presents her as more than a royal mistress: a landed noblewoman whose private relationship had lasting consequences for the English succession.
Historical periods
Historical people
Katherine Swynford1350–1403 John of Gaunt1340–1399 Blanche of Lancaster1342–1368 Geoffrey Chaucer1343–1400 Philippa Roet1346–1387 John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset1373–1410 Henry Beaufort1375–1447 Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter1377–1426 Joan Beaufort, Countess of Westmorland1379–1440 Richard II1367–c. 1400
More by the author
Other books by Alison Weir
