General Notes

Henry IV, b. April 1366, d. Mar. 20, 1413, was the first English king of the
house of Lancaster. Known as Bolingbroke after his birthplace, he was an
active opponent of King Richard II and was in forced exile when he succeeded
his father, John of Gaunt, as duke of Lancaster in 1399. Richard promptly
confiscated his lands and ordered him exiled for life. Later in 1399, however,
Henry returned, forced Richard's abdication, and ascended the throne, claiming
the right of inheritance from Henry III (through his mother).

Many questioned his claim, and Henry's reign was troubled by revolts. In
Wales, Owen Glendower led a rebellion; in the north the Percy family, which
had helped Henry in 1399 and also defeated the Scots for him at Homildon Hill
(1402), turned against him. The king defeated his enemies at Shrewsbury (1403)
and Bramham Moor (1408) and finally overcame these threats.

Henry's parliaments were also critical of his management of finances and
forced him to accept nominated councils. In his later years his control of
affairs was weakened by bad health and rivalries among Thomas Arundel,
archbishop of Canterbury; Thomas Beaufort, earl of Dorset; and the prince of
Wales, who succeeded him as Henry V.