WI: John of Gaunt becomes King John II

Imagine, if you will, that the Prince who in OTL became Richard II dies fairly young, either before becoming King, or not long after. Lets say that he catches one of the very many illnesses that occur in that era, so most people don't think it was an assassination.

From there, its a small step to the idea that Richard's uncle John of Gaunt, would be the next King of England, King John II.

Would he be a good one, though?
 
Imagine, if you will, that the Prince who in OTL became Richard II dies fairly young, either before becoming King, or not long after. Lets say that he catches one of the very many illnesses that occur in that era, so most people don't think it was an assassination.

From there, its a small step to the idea that Richard's uncle John of Gaunt, would be the next King of England, King John II.

Would he be a good one, though?

Quite possibly. He was a good servant to the Crown.

But he seems to have grated on the patience of some magnates and some churchmen for a variety of reasons, and wasn't all that great a general.

His reign might be troubled, accordingly. But it would probably beat Richard II (though that's not hard).
 
Definately see trouble in his reign as Elfwine said he seems to have annoyed people. Also the Mortimers, with there arguably better claim to the throne would seem to be the natural focus point of discontented nobles.

If i remember correctly Gaunt also claimed to be King of Castille through his marriage? If this is the case and he becomes King of England could we see him launch an invasion of Castile with the full force of England behind him?
 
Perhaps the most important thing about John of Gaunt was that unlike his father, his brothers or his nephew he was not prone to spend more than he had. Thus he might be able to improve the English financial situation. Especially if he is able to reach an agreement with France, which is possible considering that he was a good diplomat but only an average soldier. Of course such an agreement would probably not last unless he is willing to introduce the salic law in England. (Which is not a bad idea as it would exclude his main rival for the throne, but really unlikely)
 
Perhaps the most important thing about John of Gaunt was that unlike his father, his brothers or his nephew he was not prone to spend more than he had. Thus he might be able to improve the English financial situation. Especially if he is able to reach an agreement with France, which is possible considering that he was a good diplomat but only an average soldier. Of course such an agreement would probably not last unless he is willing to introduce the salic law in England. (Which is not a bad idea as it would exclude his main rival for the throne, but really unlikely)
Would the better finances allow him to win a war in Castile? I don't think I've ever seen a 14th century 'Kingdom of England and Castile' TL.

What effect would the presumably better finances of England at the start of his reign have on Henry IV?
 
King John II

I don't think he would have been very popular. The burning of his palace was an example. Then there is the problem of the Mortimer line, which he attempted to disinherit from the thorne.
 
Then there is the problem of the Mortimer line, which he attempted to disinherit from the thorne.

...which he attempted to do because Richard behind-closed-doors offered to make his son heir to the throne, before backstabbing John in an incredibly "I was never sincere in my offer I just wanted you to stay quiet" way.

Reference is Ian Mortimer's "The Fears of Henry IV" of anyone was going to ask.
 
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