Henry the Young King

Henry the Young King (28 February 1155 – near Limoges, France, 11 June 1183) was the junior king to his father Henry II of England. He was crowned king in 1170, but never actually used the power. The meaning of this is that Henry II's territory covered much of northern France as well as England and Ireland. The idea may have been to have an official deputy for legal actions when Henry was in France, and to indicate the succession to the throne. In practice, Young Henry was not interested in government. According to his tutor, William Marshal, he spent his time in France going from one knights' tournament to another.

Henry the Young King
Born	28 February 1155
Died	11 June 1183 (aged 28)
Cause of death	Dysentery
Title	Junior King of England
Term	1170 - 1183
Parent(s)	Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine

The boy was married as a child to Marguerite of France (1158–1197), daughter of the French King Louis VII. The intention was political, but it did not work. War came between Henry II and Louis. Henry joined in rebellions directed at his father. A civil war (1173/74) occurred in which Young Henry and his mother, with Scots and French support, fought against Henry II. The king won, just. Young Henry died ten years later, of dysentery. As he died before his father he never achieved power.

Henry The Young King Media

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  At his coronation banquet, the Young King (top right) is served by his father, King Henry II (Becket Leaves, c. 1220–1240).

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  Drawing of the recumbent statue in Rouen Cathedral destroyed in 1733; from Livre du Millénaire de la Normandie (1911, after a drawing of c. 1700)

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  Tomb and effigy of Henry in Rouen Cathedral

References

• Crouch D, 2002. William Marshal: knighthood, war and chivalry, 1147–1219. 2nd ed, London.