Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick (* c. 1272, † 12 August 1315) was a powerful nobleman, able soldier and confidant of Edward I. From the first moment he was a vehement opponent of Gaveston and supporter of the Ordinances. After Pembroke captured Gaveston in 1312, Warwick had him kidnapped and taken to Warwick Castle. There a mock trial took place against the royal favourite, ending with his beheading on Lancaster’s land. This clear breach of taboo horrified Pembroke and turned general sympathy back to the king. Edward II swore terrible revenge on Lancaster and Warwick, but both were too powerful for him to do anything against them at the time. Lancaster was indeed later avenged by the king, but Warwick died of natural causes in 1315, although it was rumoured that Edward II had poisoned him.
Today, Warwick is known solely for his involvement in Gaveston’s death, which makes him appear to be a bloodthirsty rebel. In fact, he was a respected, wise and educated man who owned an extensive private library – a rarity at the time.
Edward II
Warwick is one of the leading lords of the aristocratic opposition and the main perpetrator of Gaveston’s assassination in [Scene 10].
