History Timeline 1399-1485
| 1399 | Henry IV
House of Lancaster Plantagenet |
Henry IV was known as Henry of Bolingbroke because he was born at Bolingbroke Castle. After Richard II prevented Henry from inheriting his father’s lands, he raised support for himself against Richard and deposed the King. Henry had to deal with many revolts and rebellions during his reign, including the Revolt of Owain Glyndwr. |
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| 1413 | Henry V
House of Lancaster Plantagenet |
Henry V is best known for his famous victory at the Battle of Agincourt. |
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| 1422 | Henry VI
House of Lancaster Plantagenet |
Henry VI was only 8 months old when he acceded to the throne of England and he also inherited the throne of France just a few months later. A regency was established to reign on his behalf.
His reign is known for the War of the Roses, the struggle between the Houses of Lancaster and York. Henry was deposed and imprisoned by Edward of York, his cousin, in 1461. Edward became King but Henry managed to get the throne back for 6 months until Edward defeated Henry’s troops in the Battle of Tewkesbury. Henry was imprisoned and died mysteriously. |
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| 1461/1471 | Edward IV
House of York Plantagenet |
Edward IV became King of England after deposing the Lancastrian King, Henry VI, twice with the support of his cousin Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who was known as “The Kingmaker”.
He angered the Earl of Warwick by marrying Elizabeth Woodville in secret. Edward died suddenly but was able to name his brother, Richard of Gloucester, Protector of England while his son was too young to reign in his own right. |
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| 1483 | Edward V
House of York Plantagenet |
Edward V, son of Edward IV, was only King of England for 2 months until he was deposed by his uncle, Richard the Duke of Gloucester, who had been named as Protector by Edward IV. Richard took the throne and became Richard III.
Edward is known for being one of “The Princes in the Tower”, along with his brother Richard of York. What happened to the brothers is a mystery. |
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| 1483 | Richard III
House of York Plantagenet |
Richard III was the final king from the House of York and he took the throne after deposing his young nephew, Edward V. Rumour is that Richard III may have murdered his nephews “The Princes in the Tower”.
His reign came to an end at the final battle in the War of the Roses, the Battle of Bosworth, when he was killed. Richard III was the last of the Plantagenets. |
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