The House of Tudor produced a dynasty of kings and queens of England that ruled from 1485 to 1603. It was founded by a Welsh nobleman, Owen Tudor, who married Catherine, widow of
Henry V in 1423. He was the father of Edmund, earl of Richmond, and Jasper, earl of Pembroke. Supporting the
House of Lancaster, Owen was captured at Mortimer's Cross and beheaded in 1461. Edmund married Margaret, heiress of John Beaufort, who in turn was the son of
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Catherin Swynford. Their son became
Henry VII, the first Tudor king. He was succeeded by his son
Henry VIII, who in turn was succeeded by three of his children,
Edward VI,
Queen Mary I, and
Elizabeth I. When Elizabeth died childless in 1603, the Tudor dynasty ended and the crown passed to the
House of Stuart.
