Henry III was the longest serving Medieval monarch. He acceded to the throne in 1216, aged just 9 and ruled until his death in 1275. Henry III’s reign began amid a civil war with the barons. His relationship with the barons and the impact that this had on his relationship with other European countries and the papacy dominate his reign. Government was adapted as a result of these wars. Magna Carta was altered and reissued. The Provisions of Oxford led to a formal council that governed the country. Henry III is generally regarded as having been a weak military leader. His political decision making contributed to the repeated uprisings by the Barons.
External Links
Fine Rolls Project – Outstanding resource on the Fine Rolls of Henry III’s reign.
National Archives – Online lessons on the ongoing issues surrounding Magna Carta and Henry’s Baronial wars.
Discover Middle Ages – Lengthy account of Henry’s reign.
Westminster Abbey – Biography and detail about Henry’s burial and tomb.
HistoryExtra – 10 Things you probably didn’t know about Henry III.
British Library – Brief biography and links.
Library of Ireland – Henry III and Ireland.
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