Early Life and Background
John of Gaunt was born on March 6, 1340, at Ghent (Gaunt in English), in Flanders, hence his name. He was the third surviving son of King Edward III and Queen Philippa of Hainault. As a royal prince in the House of Plantagenet, John’s birth secured his position among the English nobility, but being a younger son, he was never in direct line to inherit the throne, which belonged primarily to his eldest brother, Edward, the Black Prince.
John’s upbringing was typical for a highborn medieval nobleman, involving rigorous training in martial skills, administration, and courtly manners. His career unfolded against the backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) between England and France, a conflict that would deeply impact his ambitions and political maneuvers.
Military and Political Career
John of Gaunt was actively involved in military campaigns, notably in the Hundred Years’ War. He led an unsuccessful expedition to Spain in 1372 in support of his claim to the Castilian throne through his marriage to Constance of Castile. Although the campaign failed to secure the crown, it bolstered John’s reputation as a formidable commander and political player.
His influence grew significantly after the death of his elder brother, the Black Prince, in 1376, and later the death of King Edward III in 1377. The throne passed to John’s nephew, Richard II, who was just a child at the time. During Richard’s minority, John of Gaunt emerged as the dominant figure in the English court, effectively acting as regent and controlling much of the kingdom’s governance.
Despite his power, John’s tenure was marked by tension. Richard II resented his uncle’s authority and the way he controlled royal policies. Political conflicts and factional struggles characterized this period, with John of Gaunt representing the interests of the nobility and the old guard, while Richard sought to assert his independence. shutdown123