Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick

Also known as: Thomas Beauchamp / Thomas Beauchampe / Thomas Beauchampe earle of Warwike / Thomas de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick / Thomas earle of Warwike / Thomas of Warwike / lord Thomas Beauchampe / sir Thomas Beauchampe · Family: lords · Role: chief governor · First appears: Richard II 8

In 1380, at London, Thomas Beauchamp was chosen to remain continually with Richard II as “chéefe gouernour,” responsible for the king’s person, foreign visitors, and the ordering of affairs. By c. 1388, he joined Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel, and Henry IV in gathering forces against the advisers around Richard II, and was with the armed lords at Haringie parke. They demanded the surrender of those they accused of treason, vowed to continue their cause, and named Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, Alexander Neville, Archbishop of York, Michael de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk, Robert Tresilian, and Nicholas Brembre among their enemies.

In the next parliament, Richard II declared the accusation of treason against Thomas, Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, and Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel false and placed them under his protection. In 1389, however, Thomas and Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester were discharged from the council when Richard II assumed personal government; later, John Bushy sought the revocation of the pardons granted to the lords. By c. 1397, Thomas acknowledged treason before Richard II and begged for intercession, after which the king spared his life but banished him to the Isle of Man.

By c. 1399, parliamentary articles accused Richard II of raising war against Thomas, Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel, and other lords. When Henry IV recalled those confined to the Isle of Man, Thomas met them with glad countenance. At Henry IV’s coronation, Thomas bore the third sword before the king by inheritance and served as pantler.