Henry V takes the throne
On March 21, 1413, Henry, Prince of Wales, succeeded his father as King of England to become Henry V. He reigned from 1413 to 1422.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.From Henry V, Act IV, Scene III
Henry V (from a painting by unknown artist; portrait currently held in the National Portrait Gallery, London. From the Kings and Queens, The Houses of Lancaster and York series Royal Mail issued it February 20, 2008 Designer: Atelier Works
Stern and ruthless, Henry was a brilliant general who had gained military experience in his teens, when he fought alongside his father at the battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.
Soon after his accession, Henry V laid claim to the French crown. In 1415, Henry set sail for France, capturing Harfleur. His offer to the French Dauphin of personal combat (Richard I and Edward III had made similar offers in their time) was, like those of his predecessors, refused; he went on to defeat the French at the Battle of Agincourt. Henry V (r. 1413-1422) | The Royal Family