Henry V: An Icon of Chivalry

Henry V was born at Monmouth Castle into a very noble family. His grandfather was the Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt, who was a supporter of Richard II. John was the most powerful English noblemen of his time. Henry’s parents were Henry Bolingbroke, who was the Earl of Derby, and Mary Bohun, heir to wealthy estates. When Henry was born he was not considered the heir to the throne, so his birth was not recorded enough for an exact day. Therefore, historians cannot decide whether Henry was born on August 9th or September 16th, in either 1386 or 1387.

Henry was the oldest of six children and was brought up as a great noble. He was mainly trained in martial skills, riding and some forms of hunting. He was also taught subject which his parents were very fond of, such as music, playing the harp, literature, and three languages. He knew Latin, French, and English.

Henry Bolingbroke stated treasonous sayings made by the Duke of Norfolk in 1397. A court was drawn up, but since they were of equal ranks and it was by mouth a battle was arranged, however, the battle was never fought. Richard II stepped in by exiling Bolingbroke for over ten years and Norfolk for the rest of his life. Therefore, Henry of Monmouth was now somewhat of a hostage in the royal court. However, Richard was a childless man so he had a fondness for Henry and before Henry himself knew what had happened, he was knighted.

In 1399 John of Gaunt died. While Bolingbroke should have taken his father’s estates, Richard II revoked them and kept them for himself, then he extended Bolingbroke’s exile to life. Richard was already disliked for he was not effective and an autocratic ruler, but the way he treated Bolingbroke really took a toll on his popularity. Therefore, he lost the throne. Bolingbroke returned to England where he met many nobles and swiftly took the throne. On October 13th 1399, Bolingbroke was officially Henry IV of England, and two days later, Henry of Monmouth was accepted as the heir.

On March 21st, 1413, Henry was proclaimed king and crowned was Henry V on April 9th. Henry was said to have change in character as he took the throne, holding dignity and authority. He was welcomed by the population and encouraged by the government. Although England lacked strong monarch since Edward III, Henry did not fail.