On the Lost Years of William Beauchamp, First Baron Bergavenny (c. 1343–1411): Some Overlooked Life-Records

Abstract

William Beauchamp, the fourth son of Thomas, earl of Warwick (d. 1369), was initially destined for a career in the Church, but he returned to the active life, becoming a chamberlain to the young Richard II, a captain of Calais, and a friend of Chaucer. After leaving Oxford in 1361, William seemingly disappeared from the historical record until he reappeared fighting for the Black Prince and John of Gaunt in Spain in 1367. This paper examines three newly noticed Beauchamp life-records in the calendar of papal registers. In so doing, it explores the early composition of Beauchamp’s household, his probable involvement in a 1365 crusade, and his possible encounter with a major figure in fourteenth-century politics and piety.