Edmund Tudor

Who was Edmund Tudor?

1430 – 3 November 1456), also known as Edmund of Hadham, was the father of King Henry VII of England and a member of the Tudor family of Penmynydd. Born to Sir Owen Tudor and Queen Dowager Catherine of Valois, Edmund was the half-brother of Henry VI of England. He was raised for several years by Katherine de la Pole, and Henry VI took an interest in Edmund's upbringing, granting him a title and lands once he came of age. Both Edmund and his brother, Jasper, were made advisers to the King, as they were his closest remaining blood relatives. Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond, also known as Edmund of Hadham, was the father of King Henry VII of England and a member of the Tudor family of Penmynydd. Edmund was also granted Baynard's Castle, London, and ran his estates successfully.

Prior to the start of the Wars of the Roses, Edmund liaised with Richard, Duke of York, and even supported him when the King fell ill during 1453–1454. After war began in 1455, York sent Edmund to uphold the authority of the King in South Wales.

Historical significance

The brothers were created the senior earls in the kingdom and had influential positions in the Parliament of England. He was married to Lady Margaret Beaufort, after her first marriage was annulled.