John of Eltham

The brother of Edward III of England who died at 20 years of age. WI: He had lived much longer, married and had children. Could his descendants have figured into the Wars of the Roses?
 
Definitely. Edward III's children, grandchildren and great-grandchilren intermarried with each other and other collateral branches of the royal house (Kent-Holland, Lancaster-Bohun), so John's children would probably figure in that quite heavily - perhaps even coming into direct line of succession to the throne.
 
It could also affect the actions of Edward III's children. If John of Eltham and his line were dominant in parliament, John of Gaunt would have probably been less involved, resulting in his son ( OTL Henry IV) keeping his lands so Richard II would have a longer reign, to be deposed by another or succeeded by an uncle or cousin.
 
It could also affect the actions of Edward III's children. If John of Eltham and his line were dominant in parliament, John of Gaunt would have probably been less involved, resulting in his son ( OTL Henry IV) keeping his lands so Richard II would have a longer reign, to be deposed by another or succeeded by an uncle or cousin.

I'm not sure the Elthams would be in a position to block John in any major way. IIRC his power over Richard derived from his being the nearest, and most senior, prince of the blood (unchanged by the Elthams' existence) and the richest, most powerful noble of the land (thanks to his father & marriage - again, unchanged by the Elthams' existence).

Now, if the Elthams' should marry Blanche of Lancaster or a de Bohun, things might get interesting ;)
 
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