Thomas of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Clarence

Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence, was born around autumn 1387 and died on 22 March 1421. He was a medieval English prince and soldier, serving as the second son of Henry IV of England and the brother of Henry V. As the heir to the throne following his brother, he provided counsel and assistance to both his father and brother during their reigns. His duties included being appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at the young age of fourteen, where he spent significant time and narrowly escaped death near Dublin in 1406.

Following Henry IV’s passing, Thomas took part in the Hundred Years’ War military campaigns in France under the command of his brother, Henry V. During a period when Henry V returned to England, Thomas was entrusted with the leadership of English forces in France. His tenure culminated in the Battle of Baugé, where he led a hasty and ill-fated attack resulting in his death at the age of 33.