Henry V of England
Henry V, renowned English monarch, triumphed at Agincourt, uniting England and France's crowns.
Royal Family Member
August 31, 1422
35
Monmouth, Wales
Henry V of England, also known as Henry of Monmouth, left an indelible mark on history as a formidable warrior, a capable monarch, and a patron of the arts. Born in 1386, he ascended to the throne in 1413, inheriting the ongoing Hundred Years’ War with France.
Henry’s military prowess shone brightest at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, where he led a smaller English force to a stunning victory over the French. This triumph cemented his reputation as a brilliant strategist and earned him the moniker “Henry the Conqueror.”
Beyond his military achievements, Henry V proved to be an able administrator and reformer. He introduced significant legal and political changes, including the Act for the Burning of Heretics and the Statute of Labourers, shaping the legal landscape of medieval England.
Henry’s personal life was marked by his marriage to Catherine of Valois, daughter of the French king, in 1420. This union aimed to unite the rival nations and secure Henry’s claim to the French throne. Their marriage produced a son, Henry VI, who would later succeed his father.
Henry V’s reign, though tragically cut short by his untimely death from dysentery in 1422 at the age of 35, left a lasting impact on England. He remains an iconic figure, celebrated for his military triumphs, administrative reforms, and enduring legacy as one of England’s most revered monarchs.