Moneta
Registered: August 2005
Location: Arizona USA
Posts: 2,352
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John of Gaunt - Duke of Lancaster. John of Ghent was his real title & based upon his birth in Ghent [Low Countries]. He was a key figure during the power plays of England in the late 1300's. Check Wikipedia for an interesting and detailed history. His brother was known as the Black Prince and the momentous history involves Richard II and the fight with Henry Tudor. OB: "IOHN OF GAUNT DUKE OF LANCASTER". RX: "LANCASTER HALFPENNY" with date 1792 below. Edge inscription "PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONTON OR BRISTOL". RR
John of Gaunt (6 March 1340 – 3 February 1399) was an English prince, military leader, and statesman. He was the third of the five sons of King Edward III of England who survived to adulthood. Due to his royal origin, advantageous marriages, and some generous land grants, Gaunt was one of the richest men of his era, and was an influential figure during the reigns of both his father, Edward, and his nephew, Richard II. As Duke of Lancaster, he is the founder of the royal House of Lancaster, whose members would ascend to the throne after his death. His birthplace, Ghent, corrupted into English as Gaunt, was the origin for his name. When he became unpopular later in life, a scurrilous rumor circulated, along with lampoons, claiming that he was actually the son of a Ghent butcher. This rumor, which infuriated him, may have been inspired by the fact that Edward III had not been present at his birth. [Wikipedia]
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