BEAUFORT

beaufort, henry (c. 1377-1447), english cardinal and bishop of winchester, was the second son of john of gaunt, duke of lancaster, by catherine, wife of sir hugh swynford. his parents were not married until 1396, and in 1397 king richard ii. declared the four children of this union to be legitimate. henry spent some of his youth at aix la-chapelle, and having entered the church received various appointments, and was consecrated bishop of lincoln in july 1398. when his half-brother became king as henry iv. in 1399, beaufort began to take a prominent place in public life; he was made chancellor in 1403, but he resigned this office in 1404, when he was translated from lincoln to winchester as the successor of william of wykeham. he exercised considerable influence over the prince of wales, afterwards king henry