While searching for images of the Duke of Clarence I came across this image from the National Portrait Gallery, London.  I had never heard of Henry, Duke of Warwick and became intrigued.  Who was he and why is he portrayed with the Kingmaker, his family and the Duke of Clarence in this etching?

From what I can tell, Henry was brother to Anne (Beauchamp) Neville.  They were children of Richard Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick, and Isabel le Despenser. Anne would later marry Richard Neville who became 16th Earl of Warwick and “The Kingmaker.” Their daughters, Isabel and Anne Neville would go on to be in the middle of the Wars of the Roses because of an overly ambitious father.

Henry Beauchamp, 1st Duke of Warwick was apparently childhood friends with Henry Vl.  He was high in the king’s favor and on 14 April 1445, was created 1st Duke of Warwick. He is also said to have been crowned King of the Isle of Wight in 1444 by Henry VI.(Source: The History, Topography, and Antiquities of the Isle of Wight, by Willam Henry Davenport Adams)

Why is it that we have not heard more about him? Henry’s story sounds like an interesting read to me. A man who was born privileged and childhood friends with someone who would later become king of England. He married young and died young with no surviving heirs.

 

 

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