John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset

John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset (1373-1410), was a military personnel, politician, and nobleman born in Montmorency-Beaufort. He held various titles including the 1st Marquess of Somerset, the 1st Earl of Somerset, and the 1st Marquess of Dorset. He was a citizen of the Kingdom of England.

John Beaufort was the founder of the House of Beaufort, and one of the four illegitimate children of John of Gaunt. His father was John of Gaunt, while his mother was Katherine Swynford.

He married Margaret Holland, Duchess of Clarence, and had six children: John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset; Henry Beaufort, 2nd Earl of Somerset; Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots; Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Devon; Thomas Beaufort, Count of Perche; and Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset.

John Beaufort passed away on March 16, 1410, at St Katharine's by the Tower.