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Joan Beaufort

Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots
c. 1404 - 1445.

Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots, was the wife of King James I of Scotland. She was born around 1404, and she belonged to the prominent Beaufort family, a branch of the House of Lancaster in England. Her parents were John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset, and Margaret Holland.

Here are some key details about Joan Beaufort's life and her role as Queen of Scots:

Marriage to James I: Joan Beaufort married James I of Scotland in February 1424. Their marriage was part of the negotiated terms for James's release from captivity in England. This marriage was not only a political alliance but also a love match, as James had written romantic poetry, including "The Kingis Quair," while he was in captivity, expressing his affection for Joan.

Queen Consort: As Queen of Scots, 1424 to 1437 ,Joan played a significant role in the Scottish court. Her marriage to James I helped strengthen his position as king and brought stability to Scotland after years of turmoil and regency during James's captivity.

Motherhood: Joan Beaufort and James I had several children, including two sons who would become kings of Scotland: James II and John (who later became King John of Scotland, but his reign was short-lived). Their children continued the Stewart dynasty's rule in Scotland.

Supportive Consort: Joan was known for being a supportive and influential queen. She was involved in political and diplomatic affairs alongside her husband, which was not uncommon for queens of the time. Her family connections in England also helped maintain peaceful relations between Scotland and England during her husband's reign.

Photo: Unknown Author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tragic Loss: Despite their loving marriage, Joan Beaufort and James I faced tragedy when James was assassinated in 1437. This event marked a difficult period for Joan, as her son James II was only a child at the time. Joan took on the role of queen dowager and helped guide her son during his early years as king.

Later Life: After her husband's death, Joan Beaufort played a role in the regency government until her son came of age. She was involved in the education and upbringing of her children. Joan lived through the turbulent period of the Scottish Wars of the Roses, which had repercussions for her family.

Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots, passed away on July 15, 1445, and she was buried in the Carthusian Priory of St. John in Perth, Scotland. Her legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and influential queen consort is remembered in Scottish history.

Joan Beaufort had eight children with James 1.

Margaret Stewart, Princess of Scotland (1424–1445) married Prince Louis, Dauphin of Viennois (later King Louis XI of France)
Isabella Stewart, Princess of Scotland (1426–1494) married Francis I, Duke of Brittany
Mary Stewart, Countess of Buchan (c. 1428 – 1465) married Wolfart VI van Borsselen
Joanna of Scotland, Countess of Morton (c. 1428–1486) married James Douglas, 1st Earl of Morton
Alexander Stewart, Duke of Rothesay (born and died 1430); twin of James II
James II of Scotland (1430–1460)
Eleanor Stewart, Princess of Scotland (1433–1484) married Sigismund, Archduke of Austria
Annabella Stewart, Princess of Scotland (c. 1436 – 1509) married and divorced 1stly Louis of Savoy, and then married and divorced 2ndly George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly

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