17. Katherine Swynford
Duchess Katherine is one woman who left her mark on the history books in a significant way. Her date of birth is believed to be in the year 1350. A beautiful woman, she first married Hugh Ottes Swynford at the age of 16. This union was advantageous as Swynford was a knight and of high standing. Katherine gave birth to three children before her husband supposedly died of dysentery. Some postulate that he was poisoned instead.
Prior to the death of her husband, Katherine began working as a governess in the household of John Gaunt. John happens to be the 3rd son of the king of England which turns out to be very important later. Following the death of John’s second wife, he takes up with Katherine. The two produced 4 children before they were able to officially wed. After both their spouses died, the couple married finally in 1396. Sadly, their union lasted just 3 years before John dies. Their children turned out to be super important to the historical record. They were all legitimized and were the start of the Beaufort bloodline, which gave rise to the House of Stuart and the Tudor Dynasty that ruled England for centuries.