Warwick, Richard de Beauchamp, earl of

Warwick, Richard de Beauchamp, earl of, 1382–1439, English nobleman; son of Thomas de Beauchamp, earl of Warwick. He fought for Henry IV against Owen Glendower in Wales and the Percys at Shrewsbury (1403). In 1408 he set out for the Holy Land, visiting monarchs and fighting in a tournament en route; he made a similarly active return trip through Russia, Poland, and Germany. After his return (1410), Beauchamp performed several royal missions, including that as chief English lay envoy to the Council of Constance (1414). He fought with notable success in Henry V's French campaigns and on Henry's death (1422) became a member of the council for the infant Henry VI. He served as tutor to the young king from 1428 to 1437, when he was appointed lieutenant of France and Normandy. Richard de Beauchamp was a man of piety and courtesy and was famed throughout Europe as a chivalrous knight. His daughter Anne married and brought the earldom to Richard Neville, earl of Warwick.