Beaufort Family Genealogy & History

The House of Beaufort, an influential English noble family, emerged in the 14th century from the legitimated offspring of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Katherine Swynford. Known for their significant roles in the Wars of the Roses, the Beauforts were pivotal supporters of the Lancastrian King Henry VI. Their legacy includes Lady Margaret Beaufort, who married Edmund Tudor and became the mother of King Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch. Despite being barred from the English throne, the Beauforts maintained their prominence, with Henry Somerset, 12th Duke of Beaufort, representing the family today through an illegitimate line that traces back to Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester.

The House of Beaufort originated from John of Gaunt, the third surviving son of King Edward III, and his third wife, Katherine Swynford. Their children, initially illegitimate, were legitimized upon Gaunt's marriage to Swynford in 1396. The family name derives from Montmorency-Beaufort in France, an estate linked to Gaunt's lineage. John of Gaunt's legitimate progeny also included Henry Bolingbroke, later King Henry IV, establishing the House of Lancaster's royal line. The Beauforts' connection to English nobility is further enriched by Joan Beaufort, whose offspring include prominent figures like the Dukes of York and Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's

Francis Beaufort, an esteemed Irish hydrographer and naval officer, made significant contributions to nautical charting and maritime navigation. Creator of the Beaufort scale and Beaufort cipher, he was pivotal in advancing hydrographic surveying during his tenure as the British Admiralty Hydrographer of the Navy from 1829 to 1855. His career highlights include commanding HMS Woolwich, conducting a hydrographic survey of the Rio de la Plata estuary, and publishing "Karamania," a detailed account of southern Anatolia. Beaufort's work greatly enhanced the accuracy and availability of nautical charts, proving invaluable to naval and commercial shipping.

Francis Beaufort was born in Navan, Ireland, to Daniel Augustus Beaufort, a Protestant clergyman and member of the Royal Irish Academy, and Mary Waller, daughter of William Waller of Allenstown House. Descended from French Protestant Huguenots, his family fled religious persecution in the sixteenth century. He had an older brother, William Louis Beaufort, and three sisters, Frances, Harriet, and Louisa. His father was renowned for creating a new map of Ireland in 1792.

Carel Godin de Beaufort, a distinguished Dutch racing driver and nobleman, made significant contributions to Formula One from 1958 to 1964. Known for his gentlemanly approach, he debuted in Formula One at the 1957 German Grand Prix and was the first Dutch driver to score points in the championship. Competing under the Ecurie Maarsbergen banner, he drove his iconic orange Porsche 718, earning points in the Dutch, French, Belgian, and United States Grands Prix. Despite being considered a mobile chicane early in his career, he matured into a competent and popular competitor, marking his presence in both Championship and non-Championship races.

Born on April 10, 1934, in Maarsbergen, Carel Godin de Beaufort hailed from a noble family, reflecting his aristocratic roots and lifestyle. His racing team, Ecurie Maarsbergen, was named after his family estate, highlighting his noble lineage.

Elizabeth Somerset, Duchess of Beaufort (c. 1713 – 1799), born Elizabeth Berkeley, was a prominent English Duchess known for her marriage to Charles Noel Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort. She was a central figure in the British aristocracy during the 18th century, and together with the Duke, she had six children. Her legacy includes notable descendants and a centuries-old monument dedicated to her daughter, Lady Elizabeth Somerset, located in Stoke Park, Bristol.

Elizabeth was born in Stoke Gifford, Gloucestershire, to John Symes Berkeley and Elizabeth Norborne. Her family lineage includes her notable younger brother, Norborne, Lord Botetourt. Through marriage, she became connected to the illustrious Beaufort and Noel families, further enriching her aristocratic heritage.