The Life and Times of Henry IV
Henry's Life
Henry IV was born April 3, 1366, at Bolingbroke Castle, England, which is why he is sometimes referred to as Henry Bolingbroke. His father, the Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and his mother, Blanche of Lancaster, were descendants of Henry III, and therefore were distant cousins. Henry IV's mother died young of the Black Death, so he was raised by other Lancastrian supporters.
When Henry was about 20 years old he was part of the lords of appellant, a group of opponents to the crown, which at the time was Richard II. While Henry was crusading in Lithuania and Prussia, his father died and Richard II seized the Lancastrian Estates that belonged to Henry's father.
When Henry returned to get his inheritance back, he attracted many powerful magnates who were also concerned that their inheritance at some time could be unfairly taken. This helped give Henry support from wealthy magnates and parliament members to force his cousin King Richard II off the throne. Henry IV became King of England in 1399 when he was 33 years old.
When Henry returned to get his inheritance back, he attracted many powerful magnates who were also concerned that their inheritance at some time could be unfairly taken. This helped give Henry support from wealthy magnates and parliament members to force his cousin King Richard II off the throne. Henry IV became King of England in 1399 when he was 33 years old.
During Henry IV's Reign
After becoming King, Henry IV was considered a usurper, and his reign was filled with conflict and rebellion. He had troubles from Scotland and France, and he later invaded Wales. He was known to behead people and in a single battle killed 30 men. He also executed an archbishop which is thought to be the reason he was punished with having leprosy.
Henry IV was married a couple different times, but when he died, his current wife was Joan of Navarre. His marriage to her was very unpopular because she was French and because she was suspected of practicing witchcraft, which she was eventually convicted and imprisoned in 1419.
Henry IV was married a couple different times, but when he died, his current wife was Joan of Navarre. His marriage to her was very unpopular because she was French and because she was suspected of practicing witchcraft, which she was eventually convicted and imprisoned in 1419.
During his reign, Henry IV was excommunicated by Pope Gregory VII because he would not fund the church. Henry IV did not care the first time, but the second time he was excommunicated, he removed the Pope and replaced him with an anti-pope.
Death
Henry IV died March 20, 1413. The cause of death may have been epilepsy as well as leprosy. He died in the Jerusalem chamber of Westminster Abbey and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. Henry was the only king to be buried there.
How Did King Henry IV Influence Modern Day Society?
In my opinion, because King Richard II tried to take Henry IV's inheritance, there are now wills that tell where someone's property, money and belongings go when you die.
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