Name and Title:
Henry V, King of England, formerly Henry of Monmouth
Dates:
Born: 9th August or 16th September, 1386 or 1387 (Monmouth Castle, England)
Died: 31st August 1422 (Bois de Vincennes, France)
Ruled: King of England, 21st March 1413 – 31st August 1422
Crowned: 9th April 1413
Notable Family:
Father: Henry IV, King of England
Mother: Mary de Bohun
Wife: Katherine Valois (married 2nd June 1420, Troyes Cathedral, France)
Children: Henry VI, King of England
Biography:
Famed for his military prowess, Henry V was an English king who subdued Wales as a prince, worked hard to ready his kingdom for war and then fought a successful campaign – which included victory at Agincourt – to become heir to the throne of France. For more information, we have a five part biography:1. Henry of Monmouth - Young Henry
Henry was born into a powerful noble family, and his father seized the throne of England when Henry was just a young man, potentially putting Henry in great danger from the old king.
With his father established as King of England, Henry became heir to the throne and Prince of Wales, where he fought to subdue rebellion, and learnt many lessons. But did he try and usurp his father?
Henry became king in 1413, and worked hard to reform the finances and law of the nation, uniting it behind him ready for war with France.
4. Henry, Heir of France - A Great Triumph (includes Agincourt)
Within just a few years Henry had won the most famous battle in English history – Agincourt - conquered large areas of France and been appointed regent and heir to the French throne.
Henry died in 1422, but did this death rob him of ultimate victory in the Hundred Years War, or remove him before he experienced an inevitable defeat? Either way, his legend remains strong.
Recommended Books:
Henry V by Keith Dockray (Tempus, 2004)
This shorter biography has a large historiographic survey and is a perfect introduction to further study.
Henry V by Christopher Allmand (Yale, 1992)
The current standard biography, this is the best single-volume text.
Henry V – The Practice of Kingship by G. L. Harriss (Oxford, 1985)
An essential collection of nine essays about Henry and his rule.
Henry V – The Rebirth of Chivalry by Malcom Mercer (National Archives, 2004)
Aimed at the younger reader, this short biography is heavily illustrated and accompanied by documentary exerts.
Henry V as Warlord by Desmond Seward (Penguin 2001)
Seward's iconoclastic look at Henry presents the nastier side of his character; an essential counterpoint
