The reign of Henry 3 in England fell on very difficult years. In fact, in a catastrophic state, he took over the country in 1216, being a nine-year-old child. After a series of both military defeats and diplomatic failures made by his father John Plantagenet, monarchical power in England was significantly weakened. The Magna Carta, a document later considered progressive, greatly undermined the centralized power of the monarch. Nevertheless, Henry 3, King of England, ruled the country for 56 years - until his death in 1272.
The mother of Henry III, who was 22 years younger than her husband, lived until 1246 and played a significant role in the fate of her crowned firstborn.
Start of reign
Government of the country due to the infancy of Henry 3 was carried out by the regency council, headed by the well-known in England William Marshall Earl of Pembroke.
The greatest danger of young Heinrich 3,the king of England could expect from the east of his kingdom, which was controlled by barons, unsatisfied with the rights that the Magna Carta guaranteed them.
In 1217, a battle took place in which the Earl of Pembroke defeated an army fielded by rebellious barons. The earl's regency ended with his death in 1234.
The next head of the council was Baron Hubert de Burgh. It is difficult to overestimate the contribution of this man to the preservation of the unity of England.
At that time, some of the nobility and almost all of Scotland recognized Louis of France as King of England. The defense of Dover Castle, led by Hubert de Burgh, actually stopped the invasion of Louis's troops on the island.
Finally, in 1227, upon reaching the age of majority, Henry 3, King of England, began to rule on his own, in his own name.
Exile and return
It is known that during the reign of Henry 3 extortions from the nobility increased significantly. Dissatisfied barons took up arms against their monarch. Under their pressure, in 1258 at Oxford, the king was forced, in the presence of 24 representatives delegated by the barons, to sign the so-called Oxford Provisions, which limited his power. But already in 1261, Henry was released by the Holy Pope from obligations under this document (an analogy with the “conditions” signed under the influence of members of the Privy Council by Anna Ioannovna, Empress of Russia, and then solemnly broken) suggests itself.
Henry 3's refusal from Provisions led in 1263 toan uprising led by the king's son-in-law, Count Simon de Montfort. And in 1264, Henry 3, King of England, was captured by the rebels.
For about a year, the country was ruled by a council led by the leader of the uprising. But the situation in England at that time was such that many were afraid of the strengthening of de Montfort's power, and an escape was arranged for the king.
The fate of the Plantagenet dynasty was decided during the battle in 1265 at Isham, where the supporters of the king gained the upper hand, Simon de Montfort died (he was posthumously deprived of the nobility, respectively, leaving no titled heirs), and the power of the king was restored.
Government of the state
All the actions of Henry 3 were dictated by the situation in the country during the reign of his father. Almost the entire period of the reign of Henry was completely absorbed in resolving issues of power, quarrels with the barons. He paid very little attention to the internal structure of his state. The reforms of Henry 3 mainly concerned the church. It is believed that he was a very pious person. Some contemporaries testified that he sincerely wept during prayer.
King Henry 3 was highly revered by the holy King Edward the Confessor. Throughout England, many temples were built in his honor.
The reign of Henry 3 is associated with the flourishing of the church. Cult ministers received more rights and privileges. The state treasury paid for the construction of temples. The cathedrals themselves began to be built using a different technology, they became more airy and delicate.
England has two newreligious orders are the famous Franciscans and Dominicans. On the basis of the Dominican order in Europe, the Inquisition would later arise, famous for the famous witch hunt, as a result of which hundreds of thousands of human lives were cut short.
Last years of life
The reign of Henry after the restoration of his royal power was not overshadowed by any serious threats and troubles. The country was no longer torn apart by uprisings and strife. The king himself considered his main achievement to be the consecration of Westminster Abbey, built in his reign, where the remains of his idol Edward the Confessor were transferred.
Moreover, in the tomb built for the saint, for some time there were the remains of Henry 3 himself, who died in 1272, since his resting place at that time was not yet ready.
