Henry V of England
Energetic and dynamic, Henry is perhaps best remembered for his victory at Agincourt, a chapter in his life immortalized in Shakespeare's play. His marriage to Catherine of Valois, daughter of the King of France, was designed to bring peace to the two nations that had been at war for more than 80 years; the couple's firstborn son was named as heir to the throne of France. Unfortunately, Henry V died while his son, Henry VI, was merely an infant, and the power struggle over control of the French throne led to renewed hostilities in the Hundred Years' War.
Important Dates
Born: Sept. 16, 1387
Crowned: March 21, 1413
Victorious at Battle of Agincourt: Oct. 25, 1415
Married Catherine of Valois: June 2, 1420
Died: Aug. 31, 1422
Dynastic Table
Medieval & Renaissance Monarchs of England
Use this table to see the progression of Kings and Queens from Egbert of Wessex in the ninth century to Elizabeth I in the sixteenth. Hyperlinks lead to entries in Who's Who.
Image
King Henry V of England
This portrait from Cassell's History of England - Century Edition is free for your use. Part of the Medieval and Renaissance History Portrait Gallery here at this site.
At About
Henry V of England
This extensive and substantive biography of Henry covers his life from his childhood through his reign as king to his early death. Very well done by About Guide to European History Robert Wilde.
On the Web
In Print
On Film
The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at merchants across the web. More in-depth info about the film may be found by clicking on to the film's page at one of the online merchants.
Henry V
Kenneth Branagh's extraordinary adaptation of Shakespeare's epic includes a marvelous cast and is highlighted by a powerful depiction of the Battle of Agincourt. A cinematic masterpiece. Available on DVD or VHS.Henry V
Lawrence Olivier had the entire Irish Army to help him with the battle sequences. Slightly dated but superb. Available on DVD.
Related Resources
Medieval Britain
Sites that focus on general British medieval history, people, places, events, documents, the Norman Conquest, the Wars of the Roses, and the search for a historical King Arthur.The Hundred Years' War
An index of sites that focus on the war that lasted more than a century.
