Henry IV

Date of Birth: December 13, 1553

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: May 14, 1610

Biography

Henry IV, also known as Henry of Navarre, was born on December 13, 1553, in Pau, France. He was the first monarch of France from the House of Bourbon and ruled as King from 1589 until his assassination in 1610. Henry IV is best known for his efforts to end the French Wars of Religion, a series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants that tore France apart for decades. As a Protestant, Henry faced significant opposition but converted to Catholicism to secure his throne, famously stating, “Paris is well worth a Mass.” Henry’s reign is marked by his efforts to promote religious tolerance and restore prosperity in France. The Edict of Nantes, issued in 1598, granted substantial rights to the Huguenots (French Protestants) and is considered one of his most significant achievements. Henry IV also focused on economic recovery, infrastructure development, and agricultural reforms to improve the lives of his subjects. Despite his popularity and efforts to unify the country, Henry IV faced several assassination attempts. He was eventually assassinated on May 14, 1610, by François Ravaillac, a Catholic fanatic, in Paris. His legacy lives on as a monarch who sought peace and stability in a deeply divided nation.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry IV

1. Henry IV was originally a Protestant and converted to Catholicism in 1593 to gain acceptance as the King of France.

2. He issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting religious tolerance to Protestants and ending the French Wars of Religion.

3. Henry IV is remembered for his efforts to improve the French economy, including the promotion of agriculture and infrastructure.

4. He was known for his charismatic and approachable personality, earning the nickname “Good King Henry.”

5. Henry IV survived at least 12 assassination attempts before he was ultimately killed by François Ravaillac in 1610.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry IV

1. “Paris is well worth a Mass.”

2. “If God grants me life, I will ensure that no peasant in my realm will lack the means to have a chicken in his pot on Sundays!”

3. “I want there to be no more poor people in my kingdom, and for that, I will give my last shirt.”

4. “Love for one’s country is the greatest of all virtues.”

5. “Great care must be taken in the administration of justice.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry IV’s wealth as a monarch was considerable, though difficult to quantify by modern standards. His efforts to stabilize and grow the French economy significantly increased the prosperity of his kingdom.

Children

Henry IV had several children, the most notable being Louis XIII, who succeeded him as King of France. His other children include: 1. Louis XIII (1601–1643) – King of France 2. Elisabeth of France (1602–1644) – Queen of Spain 3. Christine Marie of France (1606–1663) – Duchess of Savoy 4. Gaston, Duke of Orléans (1608–1660) 5. Henrietta Maria of France (1609–1669) – Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland