Richard Beauchamp: Medieval England's Greatest Knight

by David Brindley

, 159 pages, with illustrations throughout

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Tony Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My church, St Mary's Warwick, is the home of the Beauchamp Chapel (or more correctly the Chapel of Our Lady), probably the most magnificent (and costly) chantry chapel in the country. It was completed in 1475 to house the mortal remains of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick (1382-1439), knight, hugely wealthy landowner, confident to Henry V, and tutor to the child monarch Henry VI. David Brindley, the former Rector of St Mary's wrote this informative guide to the life and times of Richard. Beauchamp was, for his time, an honest, pious and noble man. He is especially noted for his time in France, bringing Joan of Arc to the stake, and attempting to protect the legacy of Henry V's dual kingdom of England and France. We know rather more about Richard's life, when compared to his contemporaries, through the detailed accounts of his household, and a set of biographical "pageants" (sort of medieval cartoons) which depict his story. Interesting book to give context to a place I probably visit every week (when not in lockdown!).