Henry III (
October 1,
1207 -
November 16,
1272) is one of the least-known British monarchs, considering the great length of his reign. He was born in
1207, the son of the infamous King
John, and succeeded to the throne at the age of nine, with the result that the country was ruled by regents until
1227. Henry married
Eleanor of Provence, and they had nine children, the eldest of whom succeeded Henry as
Edward I of England.
Henry's reign was marked by civil strife, as the English barons demanded more say in the running of the kingdom. This led to the calling of the first English
Parliament by
Simon de Montfort, who, besides being the leader of opposition, was married to Henry's sister. At the
Battle of Lewes in
1264, Henry was defeated and taken prisoner by de Montfort. Henry's son, Edward, turned the tables on de Montfort in
1265 at the
Battle of Evesham, following which savage retribution was exacted on the rebels. From about
1270, Henry effectively gave up the reins of government to his son. He died in
1272 and is buried in
Westminster Abbey.
Henry was succeded by his son, Edward I of England.
