The Eight King Henrys of England

A comprehensive history of England's eight King Henrys, detailing their reigns, conflicts, and key events that shaped the monarchy throughout the ages.

During the 1,000-year history of the English monarchy there have been eight kings with the name of Henry. The Eight King Henrys of England is the history of the reigns of these sovereign lords. In 1100 King William II of England was killed by a wayward arrow while hunting and his younger brother, Henry I, succeeded to the crown of England. As king, Henry I secured and strengthened his governing powers over the English kingdom. The second king of England named Henry crossed the English Channel in 1153 with his army to overthrow his cousin, King Stephen of Blois. Henry III reigned over England for fifty-six years, where he was occupied with the revolts of his recalcitrant nobles. In 1398 the future King Henry IV was exiled from England and spent the next year in France orchestrating the downfall of King Richard II. He returned to England in 1399 with a small band of advocates and was joined by numerous English lords, who supported him in the overthrow of the king, recognizing Henry IV as their sovereign lord. In 1413 Henry V followed his father to the English throne unchallenged. After governing his realm for two peaceful years, he assembled his army and crossed the English Channel to regain the lost French lands of his predecessors. Marching his army from the coast, the king’s troops clashed with the French at Agincourt on 25th October 1415. When the French charged, their ranks were decimated by the English archers and infantrymen, giving Henry V his greatest victory. The son of Henry V assumed the crown in 1422 ruling as the sixth Henry of England. During his long, tragic reign, English lands in France were lost and the kingdom beset with civil wars. In 1471 he was overthrown and murdered in the Tower of London. The king’s successor, Henry, was now forced to flee to France by the party in opposition. Following fourteen years in exile, he returned to England and soon confronted the ruling king defeating him at Bosworth Field, claiming the English crown as Henry VII. When the king died in 1509, his throne was taken by his eldest son, who ruled as King Henry VIII. After numerous wars with the French, in 1520 he negotiated a non-aggression treaty with his enemy and to celebrate the peace, they agreed to meet at Balinghem, France. During the seventeen days of festivities, the former enemies dined together in grand feasts and participated in numerous martial competitions. The grand event became known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold for the massive utilization of gold threads in a display of wealth.