John of Gaunt
(1340-1399), Prince and Steward of England; fourth son of Edward IIIJohn ('John of Gaunt'), Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine
Sitter in 7 portraits
John of Gaunt was a member of the House of Plantagenet, the third surviving son of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainault. He gained his name 'John of Gaunt' because he was born in Ghent, which was then called Gaunt in English. The fabulously wealthy Gaunt exercised tremendous influence over the English throne during the minority reign of his nephew, Richard II, and during the ensuing periods of political strife, but took care not to be openly associated with opponents of the king. John of Gaunt's legitimate male heirs, the Lancasters, included Kings Henry IV, Henry V and Henry VI.
by George Yate
line and stipple engraving, early 17th century
NPG D37148
by George Yate
line and stipple engraving, early 17th century
NPG D8989
by John Lightbody, after George Vertue
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D23710
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1735
NPG D8986
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1735
NPG D8987
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1735
NPG D8988
by Samuel Freeman, published by Fisher Son & Co, after George Vertue
stipple engraving, published 1831
NPG D23711
Related People
- King Edward III (father)
- Edward, Prince of Wales (brother)
- King Henry IV (son)
- Philippa of Hainault (mother)
- King Richard II (nephew)
- Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester (brother)
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