John of Gaunt, Belgian-English politician, Lord High Steward (born 1340)

John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was an English royal prince, military leader and statesman. He was the fourth son of King Edward III of England, and the father of King Henry IV. Because of Gaunt's royal origin, advantageous marriages and some generous land grants, he was one of the richest men of his era and an influential figure during the reigns of both his father and his nephew, Richard II. As Duke of Lancaster, he is the founder of the royal House of Lancaster, whose members would ascend the throne after his death. His birthplace, Ghent in Flanders, then known in English as Gaunt, was the origin of his name.

The Lord High Steward is the first of the Great Officers of State in England, nominally ranking above the Lord Chancellor.

February 3 is the 34th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 331 days remain until the end of the year.