Margaret Beaufort: Survivor, Rebel, Kingmaker

Survivor.

Rebel.

Conspirator.

Mother and grandmother of kings.

Margaret Beaufort was one of the most remarkable and influential women of the Middle Ages.

Lauren Johnsons life of Margaret Beaufort brings its subject vividly and memorably to life.

She delineates the decades of political upheaval that were the backdrop to Margarets long and resilient career, but also tells her story with a profound and touching humanity.

This was a woman who endured the trauma of childbirth when she was little more than a child herself; who saw her baby on only a handful of occasions before he reached manhood; who braved decades of danger and uncertainty, and who succeeded in guiding her son - through courage, political astuteness and sheer persistence - to the greatest prize of all: the crown of EnglandThe Red Queen is very relevant to Wimborne.

Margaret Beauforts parents, John Beaufort, 1st Duke of Somerset, and Margaret Beauchamps tomb lies in the Minster.

It features detailed effigies of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset holding hands.

They are the great grandparents of Henry VIII.

Margaret Beaufort is also the foundress in 1497 of the first Grammar School in Wimborne.