Beauvallet · Chapter
Pedigree of the House of Beauvallet explained
This chapter presents a genealogical record of the Beauvallet family, tracing its lineage from Simon the Coldheart, 1st Baron Beauvallet, through subsequent generations, detailing births, marriages, deaths, and notable events up to the 7th
What happens
This chapter presents a genealogical record of the Beauvallet family, tracing its lineage from Simon the Coldheart, 1st Baron Beauvallet, through subsequent generations, detailing births, marriages, deaths, and notable events up to the 7th Baron, Gerard Beauvallet.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
The Beauvallet family's actions are often driven by concerns for honor, reputation, and advancement, as seen in Simon's knighthood, Geoffrey's Yorkist allegiance, and Henry's careful political maneuvering to regain title and estates.
Power and Authority
The pedigree details the acquisition and loss of titles, lands, and influence, reflecting the family's struggle for power and authority across generations, including the confiscation and restoration of the barony.
Fate and Destiny
Many entries highlight unexpected deaths, misfortunes, and unfulfilled predictions, such as Joanna's failed destiny as her father's prop, Geoffrey's chemical accident, and the 'mysterious demise' of Richard III's nephews.
Characters to notice
- Simon the Coldheart
Founder of the Beauvallet line, 1st Baron Beauvallet, knighted in 1403, fought at Agincourt, captured Belrémy, married Margaret, Countess of Belrémy.
- Gerard Beauvallet
7th Baron Beauvallet, born 1546, heir to Henry, 6th Baron, said to greatly resemble his father.
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Younger son of Henry, 6th Baron, noted for his daring spirit and astonishing exploits that disturbed his father's later years.
Key passages
“Simon the Coldheart, 1st Baron Beauvallet. [1] b. 1385, out of wedlock. Son of Geoffrey, Earl of Malvallet and of Jehanne, a peasant. Fought at Shewsbury as Squire to Fulk, Earl of Montlice, and was Knighted 1403.”
Simon, born illegitimate in 1385, was the son of an earl and a peasant woman; he fought at Shrewsbury as a squire and was knighted in 1403.
Establishes the founder's humble origins and rise through military service.
“He ended his life on Tower Hill, 1539, as an outcome of a Misunderstanding with Henry VIII.”
Nicholas, the 5th Baron, was executed in 1539 due to a misunderstanding with King Henry VIII.
Highlights the perilous nature of court politics and the family's vulnerability to royal displeasure.
“His Foresight led him secretly to Forsake the Old Religion during the latter years of Mary’s reign, and to open Tentative Communications with the Protestant Party.”
Henry, the 6th Baron, prudently abandoned Catholicism in secret near the end of Mary I's reign and began reaching out to Protestants.
Illustrates the political and religious maneuvering necessary for survival during the Tudor period.