Born: 1 October 1207, Winchester Castle, Hampshire Died: 16 November 1272 (aged 65) Reign: 19 October 1216-16 November 1272 Coronation: 28 October 1216, Gloucester & 17 May 1220, Westminster Abbey
Predecessor: John Successor: Edward I
He had six sons and three daughters.
He was also crowned twice! It is thought that the first crowning in 1216 was to encourage support for the new monarch, in a time when England was threatened by foreign forces, led by Prince Louis, later King Louis VIII. Henry was crowned again in 1220 to strengthen his position as a ruler once his enemies had been defeated!
Test your understanding
Which ‘scoundrel’ invaded Henry III’s lands in France?
Not quite I’m afraid! Try asking the King if he really believes in Magna Carta...
Brilliant. Well Done! It was Louis VIII, who in fact could have could have been King of England — indeed he was offered the throne after the barons rebelled against King John in 1215! He was proclaimed King at St Paul’s Cathedral, but was never crowned. When King John died in 1216, many barons deserted Louis to support John’s nine year old son, Henry III.
Why has Henry III re-issued Magna Carta?
Is it because he has genuinely learned the lessons from the rule of his father, uncle and grandfather and he is offering a new way of ruling?
Is it because Henry simply needs money because the French king has invaded Gascony and and is threatening Henry’s power in France?
The view of this chronicle on why Henry is issuing Magna Carta now is…
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