Henry the Young King - Rouen Cathedral, France

walwyn Wed, 09/22/2010 - 01:04
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Henry the Young King

 

Henry the Young King (d1183) was the second son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, their first born, William IX, Count of Poitiers, having died in 1153 aged three. In 1170 at the age of fifteen he was crowned king,1 but as co-regent with his father he had few powers.2 This led to some resentment and in 1173 he along with mother, and two of his brothers (Richard and Geoffrey) revolted against Henry II.3 The cause being Henry's proposal to give the three castles of Chinon, Loudun, and Mirebeau as a marriage settlement for his youngest son John.4

 

After 18 months fighting Henry II suppressed the rebellion and whilst his sons were pardoned, his wife Eleanor was kept in custody.5

 

In 1181 he rebelled with Geoffrey against his father and his brother Richard (later Richard I) over Richard's rule of Aquitaine. During this campaign in the Limousin, he contracted dysentery and was taken to Martel near Limoges where he died on June 11th 1183.6

 

His body was brought back to Rouen. However, as it travelled back to Normandy the Bishop of Le Mans insisted that he be buried in Le Mans cathedral.7 The dean of Rouen later managed to recover his body so that he could be buried in Normandy.

 

Like that of his brother Richard, Henry's head rests on a square cushion, and his feet rest on a crouching lion. On his head is a crown decorated with jewels, he also wears a tunic and embroidered belt.

 

Henry the Young King Henry the Young King

 

See here for other pages associated with Rouen Cathedral.