# Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset — Henry VI, Part II character guide

> Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset in Henry VI, Part II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Somerset, Edmund Duke of Somerset, The Duke of Somerset, proud Somerset, Lord Somerset, Somerset Cousin of Buckingham

**First appearance:** 0000-henry-vi-part-ii

## Snapshot

A proud Lancastrian duke whose ambition and rivalry with York make him a standing threat to the protector's peace.

## Who they are

Somerset belongs to the court faction that Salisbury names alongside Suffolk, the cardinal, and Buckingham as men whose pride must be bridled. His quarrel with York is both personal and territorial, sharpened by the loss of France and the blame that attaches to whoever held command there. He matters because his feud with York gives the dynastic struggle a human face long before the roses are formally plucked.

## In the story

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

Contends with York for the French regency; ultimately appointed regent by Gloucester's judgment.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii)

Present in the court during the confrontation and the king's collapse.

### [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ix)

Accompanies the king and queen; is ordered to the Tower by Henry and willingly yields himself.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i)

Somerset is initially reported imprisoned but later appears with the queen, sparking York's fury.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-ii)

Killed by Richard under the Castle alehouse sign, fulfilling a prophecy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/characters/duke_of_somerset
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/characters