Henry IV of England (1367–1413) was a pivotal yet troubled monarch whose reign marked the beginning of the Lancastrian dynasty. His rule was defined by rebellion, political strife, and questions of legitimacy, setting the stage for future conflicts in English history.
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Henry Bolingbroke
Born: 15 April 1367, Bolingbroke Castle, Lincolnshire
Died: 20 March 1413, Westminster Abbey, London
House: Lancaster (the first Lancastrian king of England)
Predecessor: Richard II
Successor: Henry V (his son)
Family and Lineage
Henry was the son of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (third son of Edward III), and Blanche of Lancaster, a wealthy heiress. His marriage to Mary de Bohun produced seven children, including his heir, the future Henry V. After Mary’s death, he married Joan of Navarre, though they had no children together.
Rise to Power
Henry was initially a loyal supporter of his cousin, Richard II, but tensions grew due to Richard’s autocratic rule. In 1398, after a dispute with Thomas Mowbray, Henry was exiled. When Richard confiscated Henry’s inheritance following John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, Henry returned to England while Richard was campaigning in Ireland. Rallying noble support, Henry deposed Richard, who was imprisoned and likely murdered shortly after.
Reign (1399–1413)
Challenges to Legitimacy
Henry’s seizure of the throne was controversial. Unlike previous kings, he claimed power through parliamentary approval rather than strict hereditary right, setting a dangerous precedent. His reign faced constant threats from nobles who questioned his authority.
Major Rebellions
- Percy Rebellion (1403): Former ally Henry “Hotspur” Percy rebelled, leading to the Battle of Shrewsbury, where Henry IV narrowly defeated the rebels. Hotspur was killed in battle.
- Owain Glyndŵr’s Revolt (1400–1415): The Welsh prince led a prolonged uprising for independence. Despite major campaigns, Henry never fully suppressed the rebellion before his death.
Relationship with Parliament
Henry relied heavily on Parliament for funds to fight his wars, increasing its influence. This shift laid the groundwork for greater parliamentary power in later centuries.
Arms and Armour in Battle
As a medieval king, Henry would have worn:
- A full harness of plate armour, including a bascinet helmet with a visor.
- A sword (likely a longsword or arming sword) and dagger for close combat.
- A lance and shield for mounted combat.
- His surcoat would bear the royal arms of England (three gold lions on red).
Henry IV and the Future Henry V
Health and Personality
Henry suffered from a severe skin condition, possibly leprosy or psoriasis, which worsened in later years. He also experienced episodes resembling epilepsy or strokes, affecting his ability to rule.
Contemporary accounts describe him as intelligent but cautious, burdened by guilt over Richard II’s deposition. Unlike his charismatic son, Henry V, he was seen as a pragmatic but weary ruler.
Contemporary Descriptions
- Adam of Usk, a chronicler, wrote: “The king was a man of great wisdom, though troubled by many adversities.”
- Thomas Walsingham noted his “skill in governance” but also his “melancholy and sickness.”
Death and Burial
Henry died on 20 March 1413, likely from complications of his illnesses. He was buried in Canterbury Cathedral, near the shrine of Thomas Becket, whom he venerated.
Legacy
- Founded the Lancastrian Dynasty, which would later clash with the House of York in the Wars of the Roses.
- Weakened the Divine Right of Kings by proving monarchs could be overthrown.
- Father of Henry V, whose military successes overshadowed Henry IV’s troubled reign.
- Shakespearean Portrayal: Immortalised in Henry IV, Part 1 and Part 2 as a guilt-ridden ruler, shaping his historical image.
Interesting Facts
- Henry was the first English monarch since the Norman Conquest whose mother tongue was English rather than French.
- He went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem in his youth, a rare feat for an English nobleman at the time.
- His reign saw the first execution of a bishop in English history (Richard Scrope, Archbishop of York, for rebellion).
Henry IV’s reign was one of turmoil, but his actions reshaped England’s political landscape, leaving a legacy that endured long after his death.
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