Lady Joan (?) de Beaufort

     Joan was born circa 1379 in either Chateau de Beaufort, Anjou, France, or at the Swynford Manor of Kettlethorpe, Lincolnshire. Joan married Robert Ferrers in 1391 in Beaufort-en-Vallee, Anjou, France. Joan's husband, Robert, died before 29 November 1396, leaving her a widow. Joan married 2nd Ralph Neville before 29 November 1396.¹ Joan's husband, Ralph, died on 21 October 1425 in Raby Castle, County Durham, England, leaving her a widow. Joan inherited the bulk of Ralph’s estate thru his will. By rights of the then laws, the entire estate should have passed to his grandson, son of his eldest son. Ralph’s decision may have been based on the large family that Joan was left to raise, and to provide for her. The result was to divide the family and create an internal conflict between Joan and her step children that would last for years. Because of her royal ancestry, and her own powerful political influence, she was able to retain possession and the senior branch of Ralph’s family received nothing further of his estate. After Joan’s death the estate she inherited, lands and titles, went to her children. Joan departed this life on Friday, 13 November 1440 in Howden, Yorkshire, England. She was laid to rest in Lincolnshire Cathefral, Lincolnshire, England, beside her mother. Her monumental effigy is at Staindrop Church, County Durham.