Duke Somerset is in Dukedoms of England Alphabetically.
1455 First Battle of St Albans
1552 Trial and Execution of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset and his Supporters
There have been four creations of Duke Somerset:
1st. 28th August 1443. John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset. Extinct. 30th May 1444.
2nd. 31st March 1448. Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset. Forfeit. 15th May 1464. 15 May 1464 Battle of Hexham.
3rd. 21st February 1499. Edmund Tudor 1st Duke of Somerset. Extinct. 19th June 1500.
4th. 16th February 1547. Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset. Extant. 22nd January 1552.
Summary
28th August 1443. 1st. John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 40] created.
30th May 1444. 1st. John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset extinct.
On 28th August 1443 John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 40] was created 1st Duke Somerset, 1st Earl Kendal by King Henry VI of England and II of France [aged 21]. Margaret Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 33] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 30th May 1444 John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 41] committed suicide. Suicide not certain but likely. Duke Somerset, Earl Kendal extinct. His brother Edmund [aged 38] succeeded 4th Earl Somerset. Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 35] by marriage Countess Somerset.
His only child Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond aged one was his heir. King Henry VI of England and II of France [aged 22] granted her wardship to William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 47] who married her to his son John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk [aged 1].
Summary
31st March 1448. 1st. Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 42] created.
22nd May 1455. 2nd. Son Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 19] succeeded. See First Battle of St Albans.
4th November 1461. 2nd. Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset forfeit.
10th March 1463. 2nd. Son Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset restored.
15th May 1464. 2nd. Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset forfeit. See 15 May 1464 Battle of Hexham.
On 31st March 1448 Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 42] was created 1st Duke Somerset. He is sometimes referred to as the 2nd Duke Somerset since his brother John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset was the 1st Duke Somerset of the first creation. Edmund didn't inherit the Dukedom from his brother; it was a new creation. His did inherit the Earldom.
On 22nd May 1455 the Wars of the Roses commenced with the First Battle of St Albans. Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York [aged 43] commanded with Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 26], Richard Neville Earl Salisbury [aged 55], Edward Brooke 6th Baron Cobham [aged 40] and Walter Strickland [aged 44].
The Lancastrians...
Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 49] was killed. His son Henry [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Duke Somerset, 2nd Marquess Dorset, 5th Earl Somerset, 2nd Earl Dorset. Note his father is frequently incorrectly referred to as the second Duke and Henry as the third Duke. His father's Dukedom, however, was a new creation.
Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland [aged 62] was killed. His son Henry [aged 33] succeeded 3rd Earl of Northumberland, 6th Baron Percy of Alnwick, 14th Baron Percy of Topcliffe. Eleanor Poynings Countess Northumberland [aged 33] by marriage Countess of Northumberland.
Thomas Clifford 8th Baron Clifford [aged 41] was killed. His son John [aged 20] succeeded 9th Baron de Clifford, 9th Lord Skipton. Margaret Bromflete Baroness Clifford [aged 21] by marriage Baroness de Clifford.
William Cotton [aged 45] and Richard Fortescue [aged 41] were killed.
Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham [aged 52] was wounded and captured.
King Henry VI of England and II of France [aged 33], John Sutton 1st Baron Dudley [aged 54] and Edmund Sutton [aged 30] were captured.
Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset was wounded. James Butler 1st Earl Wiltshire 5th Earl Ormonde [aged 34] and John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 55] fought.
Richard Cotton of Hampstall Ridware [aged 51] and his son William Cotton of Connington in Huntingdonshire [aged 27] were killed.
On 4th November 1461 Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 25] was attainted. Duke Somerset, Marquess Dorset, Earl Somerset, Earl Dorset forfeit.
On 10th March 1463 Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 27] was restored 2nd Duke Somerset, 5th Earl Somerset as a consequence of a general pardon.
On 15th May 1464 a Yorkist army commanded by John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu [aged 33] defeated a Lancastrian army commanded by Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 28] at Hexham, Northumberland [Map].
Those fighting for York included John Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire [aged 36], John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton [aged 26] and Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby [aged 36].
Henry Beaufort 2nd or 3rd Duke of Somerset was beheaded following the battle. The general pardon which he has previously received was annulled. Duke Somerset, Marquess Dorset, Earl Somerset and Earl Dorset forfeit for the second time. His son Edmund Beaufort [aged 25] was styled by supporters of the House of Lancaster as Duke of Somerset but had not right to do so.
Philip Wentworth [aged 40] was executed at Middleham [Map].
Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley [aged 36] and Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns [aged 33] fought for the Lancastrians.
Summary
21st February 1499. 1st. Edmund Tudor 1st Duke of Somerset created.
19th June 1500. 1st. Edmund Tudor 1st Duke of Somerset extinct.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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On 21st February 1499 Edmund Tudor 1st Duke of Somerset was born to King Henry VII of England and Ireland [aged 42] and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England [aged 33] at the Palace of Placentia, Greenwich [Map] being their sixth child. On 24th February 1499 he was christened at the Church of the Observant Friars, Greenwich [Map]. His godparents were Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond [aged 55], Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham [aged 21] and Bishop Richard Foxe [aged 51], then Bishop of Durham. He is believed to have been created 1st Duke Somerset on the same day although there is no documentation. He died aged one in 1500.
On 19th June 1500 Edmund Tudor 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 1] died at the Royal Palace, Hatfield; possibly of plague of which an outbreak was occurring. He was buried in Westminster Abbey [Map]. Duke Somerset extinct.
Summary
16th February 1547. 1st. Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 47] created. See Coronation of Edward VI.
22nd January 1552. 1st. Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset forfeit. See Trial and Execution of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset and his Supporters.
24th October 1660. 2nd. Great Grandson William Seymour 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 72] restored.
24th October 1660. 3rd. Grandson William Seymour 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 6] succeeded.
12th December 1671. 4th. Uncle John Seymour 4th Duke of Somerset [aged 26] succeeded.
29th April 1675. 5th. First Cousin Once Removed Francis Seymour 5th Duke of Somerset [aged 17] succeeded.
20th April 1678. 6th. Brother Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset [aged 15] succeeded.
2nd December 1748. 7th. Son Algernon Seymour 7th Duke of Somerset [aged 64] succeeded.
7th February 1750. 8th. Half Fifth Cousin Once Removed Edward Seymour 8th Duke of Somerset [aged 55] succeeded.
December 1757. 9th. Son Edward Seymour 9th Duke of Somerset [aged 40] succeeded.
2nd January 1792. 10th. Brother Webb Seymour 10th Duke of Somerset [aged 73] succeeded.
15th December 1793. 11th. Son Edward Seymour 11th Duke of Somerset [aged 18] succeeded.
15th August 1855. 12th. Son Edward Adolphus Seymour 12th Duke of Somerset [aged 50] succeeded.
28th December 1885. 13th. Brother Archibald Seymour 13th Duke of Somerset [aged 74] succeeded.
12th January 1891. 14th. Brother Algernon St Maur 14th Duke of Somerset [aged 77] succeeded.
2nd October 1894. 15th. Son Algernon St Maur 15th Duke of Somerset [aged 48] succeeded.
22nd October 1923. 16th. Third Cousin Once Removed Edward Hamilton Seymour 16th Duke of Somerset [aged 63] succeeded.
5th May 1931. 17th. Son Evelyn Francis Edward Seymour 17th Duke of Somerset [aged 49] succeeded.
26th April 1954. 18th. Son Percy Hamilton Seymour 18th Duke of Somerset [aged 43] succeeded.
15th November 1984. 19th. Son John Michael Edward Seymour 19th Duke of Somerset [aged 31] succeeded.
On 16th February 1547, three weeks's after the death of King Henry VIII of England and Ireland [deceased], the new Council promoted themselves...
Thomas Wriothesley 1st Earl of Southampton [aged 41] was created 1st Earl of Southampton in accordance with Henry VIII's will for which he was nominated executor. Jane Cheney Countess Southampton [aged 38] by marriage Countess of Southampton.
Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 47] was created 1st Duke Somerset. Since he was Protector and head of the Privy Council at the time he effectively created himself Duke. Anne Stanhope Duchess Somerset [aged 50] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
William Willoughby 1st Baron Willoughby of Parham [aged 32] was created 1st Baron Willoughby Parham. Elizabeth Heneage Baroness Willoughby of Parham [aged 29] by marriage Baroness Willoughby Parham.
On 22nd January 1552 Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset [aged 52] was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. He was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map]. Duke Somerset, Earl Hertford, Viscount Beauchamp forfeit. His great-grandson William Seymour 2nd Duke of Somerset was restored to the titles in 1660.
Before 24th October 1660 William Seymour 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 72] was restored 2nd Duke Somerset, 2nd Earl Hertford, 2nd Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset. Frances Devereux Duchess of Somerset [aged 61] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 24th October 1660 William Seymour 2nd Duke of Somerset [aged 72] died. His grandson William [aged 6] succeeded 3rd Duke Somerset, 2nd Marquess Hertford, 3rd Earl Hertford, 3rd Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset.
On 12th December 1671 William Seymour 3rd Duke of Somerset [aged 17] died. His uncle John [aged 26] succeeded 4th Duke Somerset, 3rd Marquess Hertford, 4th Earl Hertford, 4th Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset. Sarah Alston Duchess Somerset [aged 29] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 29th April 1675 John Seymour 4th Duke of Somerset [aged 30] died. He was buried at Salisbury Cathedral [Map]. Marquess Hertford extinct. His first cousin once removed Francis [aged 17] succeeded 5th Duke Somerset, 5th Earl Hertford, 5th Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset.
On 20th April 1678 Francis Seymour 5th Duke of Somerset [aged 20] was killed. He was unmarried and childless. He was shot dead by Genoese Horatio Botti whose wife Seymour was said to have insulted at Lerici. His brother Charles [aged 15] succeeded 6th Duke Somerset, 6th Earl Hertford, 6th Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset, 4th Baron Seymour of Trowbridge.
On 30th May 1682 Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset [aged 19] and Elizabeth Percy Duchess Somerset [aged 15] were married. His first marriage, her third having been widowed twice by the age of seventeen. She by marriage Duchess Somerset. Being the sole heiress of her father Josceline Percy 11th Earl of Northumberland she brought considerable wealth to the marriage. She the daughter of Josceline Percy 11th Earl of Northumberland and Elizabeth Wriothesley Countess Northumberland [aged 36]. They were fifth cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.
On 4th February 1725 Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset [aged 62] and Charlotte Finch Duchess Somerset [aged 32] were married. She by marriage Duchess Somerset. The difference in their ages was 30 years. She the daughter of Daniel Finch 2nd Earl Nottingham 7th Earl Winchilsea [aged 77] and Anne Hatton Countess Nottingham and Winchelsea.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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On 2nd December 1748 Charles Seymour 6th Duke of Somerset [aged 86] died at Petworth. His son Algernon [aged 64] succeeded 7th Duke Somerset, 7th Earl Hertford, 7th Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset, 5th Baron Seymour of Trowbridge. Frances Thynne Duchess Somerset [aged 49] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 7th February 1750 Algernon Seymour 7th Duke of Somerset [aged 65] died. He was buried at Northumberland Vault, Crypt, Westminster Abbey. Earl Hertford, Baron Beauchamp of Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset and Baron Seymour of Trowbridge extinct. His half fifth cousin once removed Edward [aged 55] succeeded 8th Duke Somerset. Mary Webb Duchess Somerset [aged 53] by marriage Duchess Somerset. His daughter Elizabeth [aged 33] succeeded 2nd Baroness Percy. His nephew Charles [aged 39] succeeded 2nd Earl Egremont.
In December 1757 Edward Seymour 8th Duke of Somerset [aged 62] died. His son Edward [aged 40] succeeded 9th Duke Somerset, 7th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Monument to Edward Seymour 8th Duke of Somerset, Edward Seymour 9th Duke of Somerset, Webb Seymour 10th Duke of Somerset [aged 38], Edward Seymour 4th Baronet, Edward Seymour 5th Baronet and Laetitia Popham Baroness Seymour at All Saints Church, Maiden Bradley [Map].
On 15th December 1769 Webb Seymour 10th Duke of Somerset [aged 51] and Anne Maria Bonnell Duchess Somerset were married. She by marriage Duchess Somerset. He the son of Edward Seymour 8th Duke of Somerset and Mary Webb Duchess Somerset.
On 2nd January 1792 Edward Seymour 9th Duke of Somerset [aged 75] died. His brother Webb [aged 73] succeeded 10th Duke Somerset, 8th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy.
On 15th December 1793 Webb Seymour 10th Duke of Somerset [aged 75] died. His son Edward [aged 18] succeeded 11th Duke Somerset, 9th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy.
On 24th June 1800 Edward Seymour 11th Duke of Somerset [aged 25] and Charlotte Hamilton Duchess Somerset [aged 28] were married. She by marriage Duchess Somerset. She the daughter of Archibald Hamilton 9th Duke Hamilton 6th Duke Brandon [aged 59] and Harriet Stewart. He the son of Webb Seymour 10th Duke of Somerset and Anne Maria Bonnell Duchess Somerset.
On 28th July 1836 Edward Seymour 11th Duke of Somerset [aged 61] and Margaret Shaw Stewart Duchess Somerset were married at Marylebone. She by marriage Duchess Somerset. He the son of Webb Seymour 10th Duke of Somerset and Anne Maria Bonnell Duchess Somerset.
On 15th August 1855 Edward Seymour 11th Duke of Somerset [aged 80] died at Somerset House 40 Park Lane. He was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery [Map]. His son Edward [aged 50] succeeded 12th Duke Somerset, 10th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Jane Georgiana Sheridan Duchess Somerset [aged 45] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 28th December 1885 Edward Adolphus Seymour 12th Duke of Somerset [aged 81] died. His brother Archibald [aged 74] succeeded 13th Duke Somerset, 11th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Earl St Maur of Berry Pomeroy in Devon extinct.
On 12th January 1891 Archibald Seymour 13th Duke of Somerset [aged 80] died. His brother Algernon [aged 77] succeeded 14th Duke Somerset, 12th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Horatia Isabella Harriet Morier Duchess Somerset [aged 71] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
Westminster Chronicle of King Richard II, 1381-1394
The Westminster Chronicle is one of the most vivid and important narrative sources for the reign of Richard II. Written by an anonymous chronicler closely connected with Westminster Abbey, it covers the years 1381 to 1394, from the Peasants’ Revolt to the political tensions, court ceremonies, diplomatic negotiations, royal progresses, and public crises of Richard’s later reign. Rich in detail the chronicle records major events such as the conflicts between the King and Lords Appellant, King and the City of London, negotiations with France and Scotland, the death and funeral of Queen Anne of Bohemia, the illness of Charles VI of France, and the changing fortunes of leading nobles including John of Gaunt, Thomas of Gloucester, Robert de Vere, and the Earl of Arundel. The Chronicle offers readers a remarkable window into late fourteenth-century England, combining political observation, courtly spectacle, urban drama, ecclesiastical affairs, and moral judgement. It is an essential source for anyone interested in medieval monarchy, London, Westminster, and the troubled reign of Richard II.
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On 2nd October 1894 Algernon St Maur 14th Duke of Somerset [aged 80] died. His son Algernon [aged 48] succeeded 15th Duke Somerset, 13th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Susan Margaret Richards Mackinnon Duchess Somerset [aged 41] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 22nd October 1923 Algernon St Maur 15th Duke of Somerset [aged 77] died at Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire. He was buried at Brimble Hill Clump, Bradley House. His third cousin once removed Edward [aged 63] succeeded 16th Duke Somerset, 14th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Rowena Wall Duchess Somerset [aged 62] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 5th May 1931 Edward Hamilton Seymour 16th Duke of Somerset [aged 70] died. His son Evelyn [aged 49] succeeded 17th Duke Somerset, 15th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Edith Mary Parker Duchess Somerset [aged 50] by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 26th April 1954 Evelyn Francis Edward Seymour 17th Duke of Somerset [aged 71] died. His son Percy [aged 43] succeeded 18th Duke Somerset, 16th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Gwendoline Collette Jane Thomas Duchess Somerset by marriage Duchess Somerset.
On 15th November 1984 Percy Hamilton Seymour 18th Duke of Somerset [aged 74] died. His son John [aged 31] succeeded 19th Duke Somerset, 17th Baronet Seymour of Berry Pomeroy. Judith Rose Hull Duchess Somerset by marriage Duchess Somerset.