Medieval power wasn't just about kings. Discover how the Beauchamps rose from local farming to the inner royal circle through savvy political ambition.

The family that built the most iconic castle in England and decided who sat on the throne ended up being consumed by the very power they helped create.
Criado por ex-alunos da Universidade de Columbia em San Francisco
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Criado por ex-alunos da Universidade de Columbia em San Francisco

Lena: You know, Miles, we usually think of medieval power as being all about the King, but I was looking into the Beauchamp family and it feels more like a 15th-century version of a high-stakes political thriller.
Miles: It really is! I mean, we’re talking about a family that grew from holding a small parish like Shepton Beauchamp in Somerset to being at the absolute center of the "Kingmaker" drama. It’s wild to think that while they were managing sheep farming and local markets, they were also navigating the inner circles of royalty.
Lena: Right, and it wasn't just the men. I was struck by Cecily de Vivonne, who was actually in the keeping of Eleanor of Castile, the future Queen, for years. That kind of proximity to the throne changed everything for their lineage.
Miles: Exactly, and that influence only exploded as we move into the 1300s and 1400s. So, let’s dive into how this family climbed the social ladder to become one of the most powerful names in England.