Henry IV of England

Date of Birth: April 3, 1367

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 20, 1413

Biography

Henry IV, born Henry Bolingbroke, was the King of England from 1399 to 1413. He was born into the House of Lancaster, a cadet branch of the royal House of Plantagenet. His father was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and his mother was Blanche of Lancaster. Henry’s claim to the throne was based on his descent from King Edward III through his father. Henry’s early life was marked by his involvement in the political machinations of the time. He was created Earl of Derby in 1377 and Duke of Hereford in 1397. His relationship with his cousin, King Richard II, was tumultuous, leading to his eventual exile. In 1399, while Richard was in Ireland, Henry returned to England, gathered support, and deposed Richard II, ascending the throne as Henry IV. His reign saw significant challenges, including rebellions, particularly the Percy Rebellion, and ongoing conflicts with Wales and Scotland. Despite these challenges, Henry IV managed to consolidate his power and maintain relative stability during his reign. He was succeeded by his son, Henry V, after his death in 1413.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry IV of England

1. Henry IV was the first English king since the Norman Conquest to be a native English speaker rather than a French speaker.

2. He was the first king of the House of Lancaster.

3. Henry IV suffered from a severe skin disease later in his life, which some historians believe was leprosy.

4. His reign marked the beginning of the Lancastrian period of the Wars of the Roses.

5. Henry IV was buried at Canterbury Cathedral, a significant religious site in England.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry IV of England

1. “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”

2. “I see some sparkles of a better hope, which elder days may happily bring forth.”

3. “Wisdom cries out in the streets, and no man regards it.”

4. “Though I be old, I doubt not but to ride as fast and free as when I was a youth.”

5. “God knows, my son, by what bypaths and indirect crooked ways I met this crown.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The concept of net worth as understood today did not apply during Henry IV’s time. As a monarch, his wealth would have been tied to the resources of the kingdom, including lands, revenues, and taxes.

Children

Henry IV had several children with his first wife, Mary de Bohun: 1. Henry V of England (1386–1422) – His successor and one of England’s most famous kings. 2. Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence (1387–1421) – A military commander who died in the Battle of Baugé. 3. John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford (1389–1435) – Regent of France during the early part of the Hundred Years’ War. 4. Humphrey of Lancaster, Duke of Gloucester (1390–1447) – A key political figure and protector of his nephew, Henry VI. 5. Blanche of England (1392–1409) – Married Louis III, Elector Palatine. 6. Philippa of England (1394–1430) – Married Eric of Pomerania, King of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.