Henry IV of England— A Summary of His Life (Cheat Guide)
Henry IV was the medieval English king from 1399–1413. He was born 1367 in Bolingbroke in Lincolnshire, England. His parents were John of Gaunt and Blanche of Lancaster. He was the grandson of Edward III, and therefore a member of House Plantagenet.
Henry was a military leader and fought in many wars including the Hundred Years’ War with France. His military victories helped him establish himself as an important figure in England.
Henry deposed King Richard II in 1399 and claimed the throne. On October 13, 1399, he was crowned King Henry IV. He faced many challenges to his reign, which was marked by political instability.
The rebellion of the Percies was a major challenge to Henry’s rule. This powerful family from the north of England had a stronghold in England. They were not happy with Henry’s policy and in 1403, they staged a revolt that was unsuccessful.
The Lollards were another major threat to Henry’s rule. They were a group religious dissenters that criticized corruption in the Church and demanded reform. Henry was a devout Catholic who was against the Lollards. He passed laws that suppressed their movement, and he had some of their leaders killed.
Henry’s reign, despite its challenges, was marked by some success. Henry introduced reforms in the legal system. He established the Court of Chancery to hear cases relating to fairness and equity. He supported the arts as well, such as the works of Geoffrey Chaucer or other medieval writers.
Henry V succeeded Henry IV when he died in 1413.
Sources:
- “Henry IV of England.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 15 May 2023. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-IV-king-of-England.
- “Henry IV (1367–1413).” The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists. Ed. Ian Chilvers. Oxford University Press, 2009. Oxford Reference Online. Web. 15 May 2023. http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191782763.001.0001/acref-9780191782763-e-1025.
- “Henry IV.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, LLC, n.d. Web. 15 May 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/british-history/henry-iv.
- “Henry IV of England.” New World Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2023. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Henry_IV_of_England.
