Visitors > Feudal > Servant to John of Gaunt > John of Gaunt

June 24, 1340—February 3, 1399

One of the most powerful nobles in England in his day and the greatest landowner in Northern England, John eventually came to control at least thirty castles and held lands in both England and France and hold the title "Duke of Lancaster."

While not a monarch himself, he was the sire to a line of monarchs, and eventually built the Lancasters into a power comparable to royalty. As one might expect, his increasing political influence eventually led his rivals to resent him and suspect him of plotting for the English throne.

To combat these rumors, John of Gaunt became the power behind the throne of his nephew, Richard II. On one occasion, in 1387, John staved off civil war between the King and a group of nobles known as the “Lords Appellant.” In the 1390s, his reputation was restored, having served the king well for most of his life time and wielding his power from behind the scenes. He died in 1399 of natural causes at the age of 58.

In 1380, he became Dunstanburgh's owner through his marriage. After visiting and inspecting the castle, he commissioned large scale repairs on the Lancastrian Stronghold, essentially returning it to a position of military significance. John was heavily involved in the Scottish wars of the time, and Dunstanburgh withstood an attack in 1384.

Back to 2006 Dunstanburgh Project

For related figures:

See also Thomas of Lancaster

For a narrative relating to John of Gaunt visiting Dunstanburgh:

See John of Gaunt. Lord

Pollard, A. J. The Wars of the Roses. New York. St. Martin's Press, 1988.