Henry IV Interesting Facts

1 The Wars of the Roses

Henry was the first king of the Royal House of Lancaster. From Plantagent stock, this branch of the monarchy consisted of three Kings all named Henry. Their reigns are remarkable for almost continous war-mongering, including the beginning of the Wars of the Roses. The wars were a series of battles between the Houses of Lancaster and York which ended with Richard III’s defeat at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

2 Ruling by Common Consent

Having taken the throne from his cousin, the tyrannous Richard II, Henry promised to rule by ‘common advice, counsel and consent’. In other words he wouldn’t just do as he pleased but be advised by Parliament and his noblemen.

3 The Right to Rule

Henry and Richard were friends as youngsters . They were cousins and almost the same age. Richard had a more legitimate claim to the throne as his father was the Black Prince. Henry was the son of John of Gaunt, fourth son in line to the throne.

4 Oiling the Wheels of the Kingdom

Henry was given a vial of oil which formerly belonged to Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. This oil was allegedly given to Becket by the Virgin Mary. Henry’s overthrowing of the more legitimate heir to the throne was eased by its blessing.

5 Shakespeare’s Plays

In Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Henry says ‘uneasy lies the head that wears a crown’. This reflects Henry’s concern that he had no legitimate right to the throne. After all, he had imprisoned his cousin and indirectly, at least, caused his death. It is said that Henry was said to be so troubled by his conscience that he slept in his armour to protect himself against his enemies. The headaches and skin complaint from which he suffered are thought to be attributable to his troubled mind.

6 An English Coronation

Henry’s Coronation was conducted in English for the first time since William the Conqueror took the throne on Christmas Day in 1066.

7 The Common People

Henry’s reign ushered in a change in social mobility. Trades Guilds sprang up to ensure skilled labour was recognised and properly rewarded. At this time a young man named Dick Whittington arrived penniless in London by means of a ship called The Cat. He went on to make his fortune and to be remembered for generations to come.

8 Henry’s Darkest Deed

Henry may well have ordered the murder of Richard II. Richard was held captive at Pontefract Castle. Despite his failings as a ruler, he still had his followers. In 1400 Henry acted to quell any remaining support for Richard’s claim to the throne. He had the ringleaders of a planned revolt executed. Soon afterwards Richard died in prison from starvation.

9 Another Dark Deed…possibly even Darker than the Darkest Deed

William Sautre was the first man to be burned to death while tied to a stake. His religious views differed from Henry’s and for that he was put to death. Thus began the standard punishment for those who dared to question how the Church ran its affairs.

10 Hotspur’s death

In 1403, Henry’s troops defeated Owen Glendower and Sir Henry Percy at Shrewsbury. Sir Henry died during the battle. He was known as Harry Hotspur. Despite allegedly being openly upset at Harry’s death, Richard still displayed his corpse in Salisbury.

11 Jerusalem

Predicted to die in Jerusalem, presumably while on Crusade. Henry did indeed die as foretold. He died in the Jerusalem Chamber at Westminster.

12 The Legend of Henry’s briny grave

Henry’s body was taken by boat from Westminster to Canterbury Cathedral for burial. On the journey, a storm blew up. The crew believed this was due to Henry and his wrongful reign. They threw his body overboard to protect themselves. They are said to have replaced the King with another corpse before his funeral. In 1832, over 400 years later, Henry’s tomb was opened. Inside was a coffin that didn’t fit the outer one. The gap between them was packed with straw. The jewels that should have been buried with Henry were gone. And finally, the coffin was marked by a very unroyal twig in the shape of a cross. Perhaps Henry’s last swim isn’t just a legend after all.