Henry III (Penguin Monarchs): A Simple and God-Fearing King

Henry III was a pious king who reigned for 56 years and is known for founding Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and developing a kingdom that still exists today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Most contemporaries would have argued that it was a king's duty to risk his soul for the benefit of his Church and his people. But Henry was resolute in his desire to live a life of holiness. Henry III, the son of King John, ascended to the throne at the young age of nine and ruled for fifty-six years, during which time his self-conscious piety often strained his relationships with those around him. However, as this captivating account reveals, he deserves to be better known for his significant contributions. He played a pivotal role in the birth of Parliament, the construction of Westminster Abbey, and the establishment of a kingdom that still bears a remarkable resemblance to the one we know today.

Introduction:
Henry III, the son of King John, was a remarkable figure in English history who reigned for fifty-six years. Despite his self-conscious piety, which often put him at odds with his contemporaries, he left a lasting legacy that is worth exploring. In this essay, we will delve into the life and achievements of Henry III, highlighting his contributions to the birth of Parliament, the construction of Westminster Abbey, and the development of a kingdom that still exists today.
Birth and Early Life:
Henry III was born on 12 November 1207 at Windsor Castle. He was the third child of King John and his second wife, Eleanor of Provence. As a young prince, Henry was educated by a series of tutors and was exposed to various subjects, including literature, history, and religion. He was particularly interested in the works of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, which influenced his religious beliefs and his approach to governance.
Ascendancy to the Throne:
At the age of nine, Henry III ascended to the throne after the death of his father, King John. His reign marked a significant turning point in English history, as he was determined to rule with a more moderate and just hand than his father. Despite his young age, Henry was a wise and ambitious leader who quickly established his authority over his kingdom.
Building of Westminster Abbey:
One of Henry III's most significant achievements was the construction of Westminster Abbey. The abbey was originally intended to be a royal mausoleum, but it quickly became a place of worship and a symbol of English Christianity. Henry III commissioned the building of the abbey, and it was completed in 1245. The abbey is renowned for its magnificent architecture, including the famous Gothic arches and the stunning stained glass windows.
Birth of Parliament:
Another important milestone in Henry III's reign was the birth of Parliament. Before his reign, the English monarchy had absolute power over the country, and the king had the authority to make laws and levy taxes without the consent of the people. However, Henry III recognized the need for a more democratic system of governance and introduced the concept of Parliament.
Parliamentary System:
The parliamentary system was a significant development in English history, as it gave the people a voice in the government and allowed for the representation of different regions and interests. Under the parliamentary system, the king was elected by the members of Parliament and was responsible for governing the country in accordance with the laws passed by the legislature.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Henry III was a remarkable king who made significant contributions to the birth of Parliament, the construction of Westminster Abbey, and the development of a kingdom that still exists today. His determination to live a life of holiness and his commitment to governance with a more moderate and just hand have left a lasting legacy that is worth celebrating. Despite his young age at the time of his ascension to the throne, Henry III proved to be a wise and ambitious leader who was able to establish his authority over his kingdom and make lasting changes to English history.

Weight: 90g
Dimension: 179 x 109 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241380437