Henry IV of England

Date of Birth: April 3, 1367

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 20, 1413

Biography

Henry IV of England, also known as Henry Bolingbroke, was born at Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire in 1367. He was the son of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Blanche of Lancaster, which made him a member of the powerful House of Lancaster. Henry became King of England in 1399 after deposing his cousin, Richard II. His reign marked the beginning of the Lancastrian period of the Wars of the Roses. Henry’s ascent to the throne was fraught with conflict, both during the deposition of Richard II and throughout his reign. He faced numerous rebellions, including the revolt led by Henry Percy, known as “Hotspur.” Despite these challenges, Henry IV was able to maintain his rule until his death, effectively strengthening the Lancastrian claim to the throne. Henry IV’s reign was characterized by attempts to stabilize the kingdom and deal with internal strife. He also had to manage the ongoing conflict with France, known as the Hundred Years’ War. Henry’s health began to decline in the later years of his reign, and he suffered from a debilitating illness, which historians speculate might have been a form of leprosy or a severe skin condition. Henry IV died in 1413 and was succeeded by his son, Henry V, who would go on to achieve fame for his military successes, particularly at the Battle of Agincourt.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry IV of England

1. Henry IV was the first English king to have English as his mother tongue since the Norman Conquest.

2. He was exiled by Richard II in 1398, only to return the following year to reclaim his inheritance and ultimately the throne.

3. Henry IV was the first monarch to be crowned in Westminster Abbey with the “State Opening of Parliament” ceremony.

4. His reign saw the implementation of the “Statute of Heresies,” which led to the persecution of religious dissenters.

5. Henry IV’s reign was historically significant for the use of the English language in official government documents.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry IV of England

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

2. “I have done the state some service, and they know it.”

3. “My crown is called content, a crown that seldom kings enjoy.”

4. “I am but a man, though my station be regal.”

5. “The king’s name is a tower of strength.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are difficult to ascertain, it is estimated that Henry IV’s net worth at the peak of his reign, considering his lands, holdings, and treasury, would be equivalent to modern billions.

Children

Henry IV had several children with his first wife, Mary de Bohun: 1. Henry V of England (1386–1422) – His successor and famed victor of Agincourt. 2. Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence (1387–1421) – A key military leader. 3. John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford (1389–1435) – Regent of France. 4. Humphrey of Lancaster, Duke of Gloucester (1390–1447) – A prominent nobleman and protector of 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.