Margaret Beaufort, a pivotal figure in English history, was born in 1443 as the daughter of John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset, and Margaret Holland. As the mother of Henry VII and the matriarch of the Tudor dynasty, Margaret played a crucial role in the turbulent period of the Wars of the Roses. Her legacy is not only defined by her political acumen and devotion to her son’s rise to power but also by the heraldic symbols associated with her family.

The Beaufort family crest and its heraldic symbolism reflect the complex and often tumultuous history of the Beauforts, as well as their connection to the English monarchy. This article explores the history behind the Beaufort family crest, its components, and the importance of heraldry in understanding Margaret Beaufort’s legacy.

The Beaufort Family and Its Heraldry

The Beaufort family was founded by John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, and his mistress, Katherine Swynford, who later became his wife. Their children were legitimized by Richard II in 1397, and the Beaufort name became synonymous with ambition and royal connections. However, their legitimacy was contested for many years, which would play a significant role in the tensions of the Wars of the Roses.

The Beaufort family crest reflects its dual royal heritage. The primary feature of the Beaufort coat of arms is the red shield with a gold (or yellow) fleur-de-lis. This symbol is closely linked to the family’s connection to the French royal line through John of Gaunt’s mother, Blanche of Lancaster, who was a granddaughter of the French King Louis IX. The fleur-de-lis, a symbol of the French monarchy, thus represents the Beauforts’ royal ancestry.

The red shield, or “gules,” is commonly associated with strength, courage, and boldness. It was a color frequently used in the heraldry of noble families to signify their fighting spirit, a fitting emblem for a family involved in the power struggles of medieval England. The fleur-de-lis signifies both the family’s noble and royal connections to France, as well as their aspirations toward power and influence. shutdown123