King Henry V (born September 16, 1386 – died August 31, 1422) was King of England from 1413 until his death. He is celebrated as one of England’s greatest warrior kings.
Born in Monmouth, Wales, Henry rose to prominence through military campaigns and his decisive leadership. His reign was marked by the Hundred Years' War, where he achieved legendary victories.
Henry’s most famous triumph came at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, where his outnumbered forces defeated the French army, cementing his reputation as a brilliant strategist and inspiring leader.
Though his reign was short, Henry’s achievements secured him a lasting place in English history and literature, notably immortalized by William Shakespeare in the play Henry V.
Date of Birth: September 16, 1386
Place of Birth: Monmouth, Wales
Nationality: English
Known for: Victory at Agincourt, Leadership in the Hundred Years’ War, Warrior King of England
Henry V reinvigorated the English cause in the Hundred Years' War. His campaigns in France were marked by discipline, innovation, and charisma, which inspired loyalty among his troops.
Henry’s life and reign became the subject of Shakespeare’s Henry V, which portrays him as both a statesman and a warrior king, embodying ideals of courage, duty, and leadership.
King Henry V died unexpectedly in 1422 at the age of 36, leaving an infant son, Henry VI, as his heir. His military successes and reputation as a heroic king have endured through the centuries.
| Year | Event / Role | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1403 | Battle of Shrewsbury | Military | Combat leadership. |
| 1408 | Battle of Bramham Moor | Military | Rebel suppression. |
| 1413 | Accession to the throne | Monarchy | House of Lancaster. |
| 1414 | Church–Crown reconciliation | Governance | Lollard pacification. |
| 1415 | Campaign in France | Military | Hundred Years’ War. |
| 1415 | Battle of Agincourt | Military | Decisive victory. |
| 1417 | Norman conquest begins | Military | Territorial expansion. |
| 1419 | Capture of Rouen | Military | Normandy secured. |
| 1420 | Treaty of Troyes | Diplomacy | Heir to France. |
| 1420 | Marriage to Catherine of Valois | Dynasty | Anglo-French union. |
| 1421 | Battle of Baugé | Military | English setback. |
| 1422 | Final French campaign | Military | Ongoing war. |