Richard de Beauchamp earl of Warwick

Richard de Beauchamp Warwick, earl of 1382-1439, English nobleman; son of Thomas de Beauchamp, earl of Warwick. He fought for Henry IV against Owen Glendower in Wales and the Percys at Shrewsbury (1403). In 1408 he set out for the Holy Land, visiting monarchs and fighting in a tournament en route; he made a similarly active return trip through Russia, Poland, and Germany. After his return (1410), Beauchamp performed several royal missions, including that as chief English lay envoy to the Council of Constance (1414). He fought with notable success in Henry V's French campaigns and on Henry's death (1422) became a member of the council for the infant Henry VI. He served as tutor to the young king from 1428 to 1437, when he was appointed lieutenant of France and Normandy. Richard de Beauchamp was a man of piety and courtesy and was famed throughout Europe as a chivalrous knight. His daughter Anne married and brought the earldom to Richard Neville, earl of Warwick.

Beauchamp, Richard, 13th earl of Warwick (1382–1439). Warwick's early years were spent fighting Welsh rebels with Prince Henry (later Henry V) and winning an international reputation as a paragon of chivalry. His pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1408–10 was punctuated with ‘feats of arms’ in France, Italy, and Prussia. He served Henry in major embassies and the conquest of Normandy. Although a regular member of Henry VI's council, he still periodically campaigned in France. He was appointed lieutenant‐general there in 1437 and died in Rouen.

Beauchamp, Richard, 13th earl of Warwick (1382–1439). Warwick's early years were spent fighting Welsh rebels with Prince Henry (later Henry V) and winning an international reputation as a paragon of chivalry. His pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1408–10 was punctuated with ‘feats of arms’ in France, Italy, and Prussia. He served Henry in major embassies and the conquest of Normandy. Although a regular member of Henry VI's council, and in charge of the young king's education from 1428 to 1436, he still periodically campaigned in France. He was appointed lieutenant-general there in 1437 and died in Rouen. With his great landed wealth, well-served administration, and enjoyment of royal favour, Warwick dominated the west midlands. He is commemorated by a gilded bronze effigy in his chapel in St Mary's, Warwick, and an illustrated panegyric by the Warwickshire antiquary John Rous (d. 1491).

R. L. Storey