Henry IV of England

Henry IV was born at Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire in 1367 - hence the other name by which he was born, "Henry Bolingbroke". His father, John of Gaunt was the third surviving son of King Edward III of England. After supporting his cousin, King Richard II of England, in some early difficulties, Bolingbroke was exiled and disinherited in 1398. Returning the following year, he deposed Richard and took the throne.

Henry's reign was marked by widespread rebellion, including the revolt of Owen Glendower who declared himself Prince of Wales in 1400, and the rebellion of Henry Percy, Duke of Northumberland. The king's success in putting down these rebellions was due partly to the military ability of his eldest son, Henry, who would later become King Henry V of England. Henry IV was overcome by various illnesses, including epilepsy, and died at Westminster on March 20, 1413.