Royal, handsome, intelligent, athletic, powerful and wealthy, John of Gaunt strode across the stage of 14th century England in a blaze of charisma.

He was the son of an English King, Edward III, and the father of another, Henry IV. His legitimate daughters married into the royal families of Portugal and Spain, and were Queens and the mothers of Kings.

John of Gaunt's power and wealth were greatly enhanced by two very advantageous marriages, but he made the most of all the opportunities which came his way.

As a young man, he married the heiress Blanche of Lancaster. Through her, he became Duke of Lancaster and the wealthiest man in England.

Together they had three children, including Henry Bollingbroke, the future Henry IV.



