The Medieval History of England

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Indeed it does. Very nice, too. Though I miss the smaller fontsize. o

 

[coz1]

Very impressive and good to see you writing again. I'll be following the rest of the way. I love this history book style.

 

[queenimperiale]

Roger of Warwick
King of England, Ireland & Wales
1206 - 1224

Born: Warwick Castle, 1187; Crowned: Westminster; Died: Rougemont Castle, 1224; Buried: Rougemont Castle (later reburied at Westminster)

Married: (1) 1204, Westminster Abbey: Isabella de Waer, daughter of Ulrich, Lord de Waer & Lord Ordainer of Wales: 6 children, two of which survived childhood

Titles: King of England, Ireland & Wales, 1206; Prince of Wales, 1187; Duke of Warwick, Earl of Cornwall & Norfolk, 1187; Lord of Portugal, 1217​

King Roger was forever shadowed by his father. After all, his father was ‘The New Monarch’, John the Great. Although he inherited a realm – an empire – that was richer than any other state in Christendom, his coming to the throne was at a time of growing discontent. Foremost, the bubonic plague was ravishing the cities and countryside of Europe’s kingdoms; it reached England’s shores in 1207. With thousands dying in his realm, the king spent more time fleeing the pandemic than focusing on his government. Despite his lack of an administration, it must be noted that, though he would never be as popular as father, he was still well-liked when compared to his grandfather Abelard.

As Prince of Wales, Roger rarely attended court. He spent his childhood at the court of his aunt, Queen Joan of Naples, until her death in 1197; later moved to the court of his aunt Blanche, countess of Angouleme. In 1203, his father ordered him to return to England, where he was to take the task of governing Wales. On his arrival, the Welsh nobility hosted a banquet for him. It was at the banquet the newly appointed Lord Ordainer of Wales, Ulrich, Lord de Waer, introduced him to his eldest daughter Isabella. They instantly fell in love. When the two later presented themselves at the royal court, in effort of getting royal approval for their marriage, his stepmother Queen Constance protested. She insisted that he marry a foreign princess, more likely a French princess; the queen being a princess of France herself. In addition to the fact that no monarch since King Richard had married a member of the English aristocracy, Constance reaffirmed to her husband that a more suitable bride was on the mainland. Despite her protestations his father gave his approval; they were wed in 1204. But, the relations between the two queens continued to sour.

When his father died in 1206, Roger knew he needed to have a coronation that symbolized his ability to rule. His coronation took place on Easter the following year, with his wife and the dowager queen in attendance. Roger followed his father’s coronation service, but the royal entourage proceeded on horseback from Windsor to Winchester and then to London. Another difference in this coronation was that it was the first time in which music was performed; the first court composer instructed the entire musical order of service. Although the ceremony was a bit more expensive, most of the money went toward commissioned new regalia: The Crown of King John – the original crown buried with his father – as well as a consort crown for Isabella (The Crown of Isabella de Waer); two state rings and a bejeweled sword (The Sword of State). However, it is the coronation banquet that many in later centuries remember. For the first time, the king allowed women to attend the banquet; women who held titles in their own right outnumbered men nearly 3 to 1. As they ate, the dowager queen began to boast of royal bloodlines: her bloodline, Roger’s, as well as his deceased mother - the former queen belonging to the royal and imperial line of German monarchs. For nearly an hour she complained of how Isabella’s line ‘were no more than sheepherders’, and how it would embarrass the royal family. (Later historians proved that Isabella’s mother was a minor member of the German royal family). Enraged by the disrespect Isabella received, Roger stood from his seat and proclaimed ‘let all know that she shall not be received at this court, or any other court in the realm of King Roger & Queen Isabella’. For the remainder of the night, the dowager queen ate silently. On the advice of his councils, and more likely Isabella, the following day the dowager queen was escorted with her belongings to Salisbury Castle. In an instant, she was forever forgotten in the minds of the people.

The following year, Roger led an army of knights to aid the king of France against the rebellious count of Foix. On the fifth night of the siege, Foix sent his eldest daughter Marguerite to negotiate with Roger. The king agreed that he would personally escort the count and his family to Germany; in turn his county would be given to England. Foix agreed; the treaty of Foix signed on the third of August. With the siege at an end, the king decided to tour his new estate in an effort recording its wealth. He realized that the economy was supported mainly by a large population of Jews and Muslims. A very firm Catholic, it didn’t take him too long to exile all the Jews and Muslims from Foix; a law passed the following year would restrict them from holding offices and getting access to court. His demonstration against the Jews and Muslims worsened as towns and cities accused them of the bubonic plague, poisoning the water supplies. Such hatred against them continued for the remainder of this century, until, under Emperor Edward I, when laws were enacted that granted them rights to property.

Many at court feared the plague would kill the king; such a death would give the nobility a reason to claim the throne as their own. Thus, Roger and his court moved to Warwick Palace in 1210. For eight years, the king’s court conducted the smallest administration since post-Conquest. However, one of the most historic actions at court was the creation of the governorship of Portugal in 1217. By a royal declaration, the provinces that made Portugal were consolidated under a lordship, with a governor – the marquess of Braganza – to oversee its administration. A case of the plague was confirmed in a small village near the palace in late May of 1217. Although it would’ve been wise for Roger to move, he decided more appropriate to send his wife and children away from court. In June he sent his wife and children the Prince of Wales (future King Henry I) and Philippa, countess of Vexin to the court of his half-brother the duke of York. Two years later, the king himself would leave Warwick and the isle for Dublin Castle. There, he summoned a council to discuss the state of affairs. However, the English nobility itself was facing its own problems: from the devastation of the economy, due to lack of manpower to till the lands, to the loss of their own family members. Thus, the council at Dublin consisted only of the Irish nobility; Ireland at the time still free from the plague.

The king returned to the isle in 1220, this time staying at Rougemont Castle. It appeared at the moment that the plague was receding. To celebrate his arrival, the king hosted an extravagant banquet for his court. The king also received his half-brother Edward, earl of Pembroke, whose son was now king of Denmark. However, the king spent few months attended his glamorous court, for, with the plague, came revolts. With hardly an administration of his own, the king set about of forming a company of men to quell any rebellion. In 1221, he set sail for the Italian Peninsula; decimating a peasant army in Benevento formed by Nicholas Truery, who died with them in battle. Unfortunately, his brother Pembroke died on the battlefield as well. With his nephew now deposed, the king inherited not only Pembroke’s estates, but also the legitimate claim of Denmark. Roger pressed his claim to the king of Germany, who was all too willing to depose the Danish pretender Ernst Knytling; ironically, the Prince of Wales married Ernst’s eldest daughter Jutta. Before he could march north, he fell ill in December of 1223. The king did not want to die far from his realm. Thus, he returned to Rougemont by April of the following year. He died shortly afterward, at the age of 37. It is well conceived that the king died from the plague, ironically spend most of his time fleeing from it. Nevertheless, the people were saddened by his death – few who had survived the plague. Although the empire remained intact, its social and economic aspects were utterly destroyed. His son Henry would take the task of revitalizing the highly-respected realm.

To later historians, Roger has been described solely as the first ‘caretaker monarch’, ensuring that the realm would pass smoothly from father to son. As seen by his wanting to die in England, preventing any baronial revolts, the only contribution he made was the establishment of Portugal. Personally, he was a well-humored man, in a time where many were saddened by the deaths of their kin. He was also a good father and adored his son and daughter. He also loved his wife dearly, and refused any attempt of having mistresses. Although buried at Rougemont, he was later interred at Westminster.

 

[queenimperiale]

Roger of Warwick, King of England, Ireland & Wales, Protector of Rome
b. 1187 Warwick Castle
cr. 1206 Westminster Abbey
d. 1224 Rougemont Castle
br. Rougemont Castle (reburied at Westminster)​

Roger of Warwick, King of England, Ireland & Wales, was born in the year 1187 at Warwick Castle. He was the eldest living son (second born son) of John of Warwick, King of England, Ireland & Wales, and Judith of Germany, daughter of Eberhard von Franken, King of Germany & Holy Roman Emperor. He was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Warwick, Earl of Norfolk & Cornwall upon his birth. He married Isabella de Waer, daughter of Ulrich, Lord de Waer, Lord Ordainer of Wales, in 1204 and had issue:

• Henry I, King of England, Ireland & Wales (1205 – 1252). (1) Margaret (Jutta) of Denmark, daughter of Ernst Knytling, King of Denmark, in 1221, and had issue, though none survived childhood; (2) Elizabeth of Lancaster, daughter of Jordan, Duke of Lancaster, in 1233 and had issue, though only one survived childhood; (3) Felicita von Lenzburg in 1243 and had issue, though none survived childhood.

• Philippa, Duchess of Rouen, Countess of Vexin & Nottingham (1206 – 1245). Married Robert, Earl of Nottingham, in 1223 and had issue.

• Constance (1209 – 1214)

• Sybilla (1211 – 1211)

• Stephen (1213 – 1215)

• Ela (1220 – 1224)​

He was given the accession following the death of his father in 1206. He was crowned that same year at Westminster Abbey, as King Roger, by the grace of God, King of England, Ireland & Wales; his wife crowned Queen Isabella, Queen of England. Of his children, two had survived childhood. He died of the plague in the year 1224, aged 37, at Rougemont Castle. He was initially buried at Rougemont, but was later reburied at Westminster.

 

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The excellence continues. And for ACA purposes, I must ask you: Is this your first AAR?

 

[queenimperiale]

The excellence continues. And for ACA purposes, I must ask you: Is this your first AAR?

I did a Victoria interactive AAR a while back, but I abondoned it (a sad thing, since it was really good). This is the first time in which I've written a non-interactive AAR.

 

[unmerged(17581)]

Ah, too bad. I'm bound by the rules.

Well, I have voted for you in the Best History-Book AAR category of CK. I must say that this AAR certainly deserves it!

 

[queenimperiale]

Ah, too bad. I'm bound by the rules.

Well, I have voted for you in the Best History-Book AAR category of CK. I must say that this AAR certainly deserves it!

Awww Thanks

 

[Veldmaarschalk]

Ah, too bad. I'm bound by the rules.

Well, I have voted for you in the Best History-Book AAR category of CK. I must say that this AAR certainly deserves it!

It certainly does

 

[coz1]

Caretaker indeed. But a good one. Am I to understand that Henry is left with a possible problem with the King of Germany over Denmark?

And anonymous was right - continued excellence!

 

[queenimperiale]

Caretaker indeed. But a good one. Am I to understand that Henry is left with a possible problem with the King of Germany over Denmark?

And anonymous was right - continued excellence!

Surprisingly no. I think it could be due to the king’s focus on controlling his vassals. For much of the 13th century, he faced civil instability and, later on, a war with France.

 

[queenimperiale]

Henry I of Warwick
King of England, Ireland & Wales, King of Naples, Protector of Rome, Lord of Portugal
1224 – 1252

Born: Warwick Castle, 1205; Crowned: Church of Our Lady of Rouen; Died: Foix Castle, 1252; Buried: Church of Our Lady of Rouen

Married: (1) 1221, Palace of Rouen: Margaret (Jutta) of Denmark, daughter of Ernst Knytling, King of Denmark: 2 children; (2) 1233, Westminster Abbey: Elizabeth of Lancaster, daughter of Jordan, Duke of Lancaster: 2 children; (3) 1243, Foix Castle: Felicita von Lenzburg: 2 children

Titles: King of England, Ireland & Wales, 1224; King of Naples, 1224; Prince of Wales, Duke of Warwick & Earl of Cornwall, 1206; Lord of Portugal, 1224; Lord of Scots, 1238​

Although the reign of King Henry I was one of military victories and territorial expansion, his reign was dominated by the question of succession. For nearly 22 years, he attempted to produce a male heir. Of the six children, three boys and three girls, only one survived childhood – the princess Sybilla.

Two weeks following his father’s death, the 19-year old Prince of Wales received news that he was now king. At the time, Henry, his mother and sister were now residing at the Palace of Rouen; the first case of the plague near York occurred in 1219. The lords Montmon and Montgomery, Lord Chancellor and Lord High Constable respectively, arrived at Rouen two weeks following Roger’s death. Although cases of the plague dropped considerably in London, Henry feared that he could face the same fate as his father. Thus, the coronation ceremony took place at the Church of Our Lady of Rouen, the first of August of that same year. Although his wife, Jutta – long taken the consort-name Margaret – took part in the ceremony, she was never crowned. Margaret’s father, Ernst Knytling, was a claimant to the Danish throne. However, the legitimate king was Henry’s cousin, Matthew. Gaining support from the army, Ernst deposed Matthew and placed himself on the throne. Although Matthew was a very sickly child, it is well-believed that Ernst had him murdered. In England, there was much resentment against Margaret and other Danish nobles. Although she did her best throughout her life as royal consort to help the English peasants, she was not highly-regarded by her subjects; a possible reason why mourning did not take place following her death.

Henry returned to the isle the following year, holding court at Winchester. The king planned for what would be known as the Danish Conquest. He appeared before a papal legate, pressing his legitimate claim to the throne of Denmark, at the same time rallying men to his cause. By late October, 1227, he received an official dispensation to ‘retake the lands of the Danes that so rightfully is England’. In mid-November, Henry led an army of nearly 10,000 knights and men-at-arms, sailing from London on the 20th of November.

The war in Denmark was not recorded in great detail. However, historical records confirmed that a treaty was signed on the 6th of May, 1228, giving England sovereignty over Denmark. For the first time since the reign of Harthacanute (d. 1042) was England and Denmark under dynastic union. Surprisingly, Henry was never created king of Denmark, for such reasons historians do not know. However, the king appointed Henry, Viscount Ross to the post of Governor of Denmark (later Lord of the Ordinance for Denmark). As for the former king of Denmark, Ernst and his sons were imprisoned at a Danish castle, later murdered by Henry’s orders. Ernst’s daughters, Queen Margaret’s sisters, were sent to the Greek Byzantine Empire, where records of their whereabouts ceased to be known. It is believed that the stress the queen endured, seeing her family humiliated, was the cause of her illness. She spent her last years at Salisbury Castle, where she eventually died at on 12th of December, 1230. Although the king ordered a state of mourning, in actuality there was much celebration. The ‘She-Wolf of Denmark’, as she was nicknamed by the people, had finally died. In addition to the death of their children Andrew and Adelaide, both dying from childhood, it appeared everyone except the king was content with the deaths. In a heavy state of depression, the king isolated himself at Rougemont Castle.

With no heirs, the court worried of the continuation of the ‘New Monarchy’. Montmon traveled to Rougemont to present a proposed marriage between the king and his cousin, Elizabeth of Lancaster. Young, attractive, and very intelligent for her age – studied at the holy court of Canterbury and at the imperial court of the Holy Roman Emperor – Elizabeth had the natural talents of a queen. They were wed on the 22nd of October at Westminster; her coronation held the following day. Her coronation was said to have been a splendid one, though, in actuality, the people of London hadn’t seen a royal coronation since King Roger & Queen Isabella.

With his new bride by his side, Henry traveled to York Palace where he held an audience with Petros, King of Scots. Scotland was at war with many Iberian-Muslim emirs. But, the Scots army was not well-trained. Not only did the king’s coffers run empty, but his enemies were slowly conquering Scottish estates. Petros was in dire need of money, and thus looked to his southern neighbor for assistance. Although the king refused several times to hold an audience with the ‘Greek Scot’, he finally conceded after the queen insisted. Henry was a great host to King Petros: he hosted banquets every evening, gathered his nobles for hunting parties, and it is said by few contemporaries that the two kings took part in several jousting tournaments. Despite the splendors at York, the main focus was on Scotland’s crusades. On the 23rd of November, 1231, the king agreed to provide three thousand marks, but no men. It would be the last time a king of Scotland would ever set foot outside his kingdom, and ever rule that realm; Scotland fell to Muslim forces by the end of 1233.

The troubles in Scotland did not worry Henry, though his advisors warned him he should rally men and defend the borders. Very headstrong, the king insisted there was no need to station men in the north. In fact, he used the time to take a tour of his growing empire. The king set sail first for Denmark, arriving there in March of 1133. Although he was not officially king of Denmark, he was received like one. Viscount Ross, now fluent in Danish language, assisted the king as he toured the region. It was also during this time that, supposedly, Elizabeth of Lancaster introduced side-saddling. As legend goes, the queen sprained her ankle on the same day she was supposed to ride into Copenhagen alone, meeting with the local bishop on her husband’s behalf. At first it was advised for her to ride with a knight, letting him ride the horse. Very headstrong - an obvious trait of her royal ancestors – she insisted that she ride alone. She ordered several pieces of cloths from her ladies, tying it around her leg and ankle against the horse. When she entered the city, the people were shocked yet amazed to see her riding in such a manner that was both strange yet graceful. This style would set the way for all elite women to ride.

King Henry ended his visit by summoning a council of all the Danish noblemen, where they pledged ‘infinite & eternal loyalty to the Crown, our King’. The royal entourage next traveled to the Holy Roman Empire, arriving at the imperial court in December of 1233. The king had good relations with Emperor Frederick (II), and enjoyed his stay at his court. The king was only to stay there for a month; however, the queen went into labor the same day as their departure. She would give birth to a girl, Alice, on the 24th of January; the Holy Roman Emperor would become her godfather. Later historians would nickname her ‘the Foreign Princess’: she died, at the age of two, while her father continued his visits, her body never returning to England.

The king’s next visit was to Naples, where, as king, he summoned its first royal court. While in Naples, Henry purchased the old St. Mary’s Castle, once a royal estate, from its owner Henry of Tuscany. Renovations were ordered for the building and its estates. When the king arrived, he established there royal court of Naples, with its own Officers of State, each landowner pledging their loyalty. Following his stay in Naples, he next traveled to the island-bishopric of Mallorca. It was by coincidence that the Pope was visiting the Lord Bishop as well. The king received an official dispensation to take any provinces in Scotland that were controlled by Muslims. This would lay the foundation for the Scottish Conquest (or the Relief of Scotland, by some historians). The king’s final stop was in Portugal. Although Portugal was not officially a kingdom, it was considered, by later historians, that it shared a dynastic union with England. He summoned a council, led by Edward, marquess (later duke) of Braganza & Governor of Portugal, at his large estate, where the landowners again pledged their loyalty.

Henry returned to court in December of 1236. Immediately upon his return, he summoned his common council where he called for a relief of Scotland. Although the king led forces into battle, his commander was his uncle, Richard, Lord Hertford, the illegitimate son of King John. Hertford was a brilliant tactician renowned for his ability to use the terrain to his advantage, even when outnumbered by enemy forces. At the battle of Carlisle, Richard defended its castle from an allied force of Arab & Scot (few in numbers) Muslims; their army outnumbering Richard’s nearly 5 to 1. The battle is best known for the first – and, according to records, the only – time Greek fire was used in warfare, as well as the first use of the Welsh longbow. The Muslim army was utterly decimated. For his victory, and later victories, Hertford would climb in rank and favor: from a simple country baron, to an earl, of Cumberland, and later to the rank of duke, of Galloway. By the end of the relief of Scotland, in 1240, Galloway would come to possess as his fief nearly all of Scotland. But the relief in Scotland was not the only military campaign. English forces were abroad on the Continent, liberating the former kingdom of Bohemia from the infidels. King Henry created a claim to the throne of Bohemia, stating that his ancestor King Stephen was given Bohemia as a dowry following his marriage to Matilda of Poland (in fact, Bohemia was not part of Poland at the time of their marriage). The papal legate that heard his claim approved it, and the king immediately dispatched forces, under the command of Montgomery (elevated to a rank of a viscount). The campaign was brief; by 1243, all of Bohemia was under England’s rule.

With Scotland under his authority, Henry returned south; he arrived at Warwick Palace in March of 1238. The king and queen hosted many tournaments and parties, culminated with the birth of their daughter Sybilla. In July, he arrived at the Tower of London, where he was proclaimed ‘Lord of Scots’, refusing to accept the title of king. However, it is interesting to note that the Honors of Scotland, once believed to have been lost when King Petros died on the battlefield, were presented to Henry when he declared his oath of lordship over Scotland.

The king did not stay too long at court, rallying men under his banner to aid his ally, King Heinrich of Germany, who was facing civil unrest. Between 1242 and 1244, England would come to conquer Sardinia, Thuringia, Verona and Nassau. Although his victories were greatly celebrated throughout England, celebrations turned to one of grief when Queen Elizabeth fell ill in the fall of 1242. Initially, there was belief that the queen was poisoned, though long after her death it was confirmed that she had a tumor in the stomach. The queen died peacefully on the 13th of October the following year. When the king received news of his wife’s death, Henry decided not to return to England, instead staying at Foix Castle. Henry was truly a grief-stricken man.

Despite his loss, the king slowly grew to open his heart again. At Foix he took as his wife a commoner, Felicita von Lenzburg, the daughter of a French-German merchant; they were wed on the 2nd of December, 1244, in great secrecy. The degree in which the ceremony was held in secret was not due to her low-rank, but because she was with child, the king believed she would provide a legitimate heir to the throne (in fact, she would give birth to a girl, Edith, only four weeks following the wedding). Thus, it was at the time impossible for him to have her crowned. However, the king continued to wait for the right moment to present his bride.

Unbeknownst to many, in December of 1245 the king surprisingly returned to court. Henry held the first Christmas Court at Warwick Palace. There, he presented to his subjects his wife and their newborn son, George. Dressed in a crimson robe, the king presented the realm’s heir. He ordered months of celebrations to mark the occasion, concluding the festivities with Felicita’s coronation on the 18th of March, 1246. Unfortunately, the prince, like most of his half-siblings, would die from a childhood illness only three days following. At this time, the king knew that it was destined for his line to die out. Although his only child, Sybilla, was very much healthy and, as one of her ladies is quoted ‘most gracefully becoming a lady of court’, he decided it would be more suitable for her to be retained at the court of her mother’s brother, Duke Edward of Lancaster. He officially designated Philippa’s son Henry, who inherited his mother’s estates following her death the previous year, as the heir to the throne. The king returned to Foix Castle, where he spent the remainder of his life almost as a monk, spending every day studying biblical texts and eating only one meal a day. He died, of old age, on February 21, 1252.

The death of King Henry I marked the end of not only the Warwick dynasty – which ruled England for only 80 years – but also the end of a succession that passed from father to son, or, in the case of King Richard, between brothers, for nearly two centuries. However, by either divine intervention or through the caprice of politics, the ancient line would continue: Princess Sybilla, Henry’s only daughter (and, by right, his heir), would marry the duke of Rouen, now King Henry II, and pass down the direct line of Norman kings: Christian princes hailed for their strength and valor and revered for their pious deeds.

William the Conqueror, Richard the Blessed, and John the Great –kings who established the first age of the English Monarchy. Now, a new era would shape and form this ancient monarchy; one far greater, richer, and stronger than any of its predecessors could have imagined: the Age of the Empire of the Vexin.

 

[queenimperiale]

Henry I of Warwick, King of England, Ireland & Wales, King of Naples, Protector of Rome, Lord of Portugal
b. 1205 Warwick Castle
cr. 1224 Church of Our Lady of Rouen
d. 1252 Foix Castle, Foix
br. Church of Our Lady of Rouen​

Henry I of Warwick, King of England, Ireland & Wales, King of Naples, Protector of Rome, Lord of Portugal was born at Warwick Castle in 1205. He was the eldest son of King Roger of Warwick (at the time Prince of Wales, Duke of Warwick, Earl of Norfolk & Cornwall) and Isabella de Waer. He was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Warwick & Earl of Cornwall in 1206 following his father’s accession to the throne of England. He married Jutta of Denmark, daughter of Ernst Knytling, King of Denmark, in 1221 at the Palace of Rouen and had issue:

• Adelaide (1223 – 1230)

• Andrew, Earl of Cornwall (1225 – 1230)​

He was given the accession following the death of his father, Roger, in 1224. He was crowned that same year at the Church of Our Lady of Rouen, as King Henry, by the grace of God, King of England, Ireland & Wales, Protector of Rome, Lord of Portugal. That same year, he was later created King of Naples, although never crowned. Jutta of Denmark adopted the name Margaret, but was never crowned. First marriage ceased upon the death of Queen Margaret in 1230. Henry next married Elizabeth of Lancaster, daughter of Jordan, Duke of Lancaster, in 1233 at Westminster Abbey. She was crowned on her wedding day as Queen Elizabeth, Queen of England. Had issue:

• Alice (1234 – 1236)

• Sybilla, Queen of England, Ireland & Scots, Queen of Naples, Lady of Portugal & Duchess of Warwick (1238 – 1283). Married Henry II, King of England, Ireland & Scots, King of Naples, Lord of Portugal, in 1259 and had issue.​

Second marriage ceased upon the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1243. Henry next married Felicita von Lenzburg, the daughter of a German magnate, in 1243 at Foix Castle. She was crowned on the 12th of March, 1246 at Westminster Abbey as Queen Felicita, Queen of England. Had issue:

• Edith (1244 – 1247)

• George (1245 – 1246)​

King Henry I died in 1252, aged 47, of old age at Foix Castle. He was buried at the Church of Our Lady of Rouen.

 

[phargle]

Simply astonishing.

 

[coz1]

He might have had more sons had he not been off at war so much.

Seriously though, he was a rather busy king. Shame he had so much death amonst his family. But at least his line still gets passed on, even through his daughter.

Great update!

 

[queenimperiale]

Henry II ‘the Blessed Emperor’ of Vexin
By the grace of God, King of England, Ireland & Wales, King of Scots, King of Naples, Protector of Rome, Lord of Portugal
1252 - 1299

Born: 1227, Rouen Palace; Crowned: Westminster; Died: 1299, Palace of Westminster; Buried: Westminster

Married: (1) 1245, Church of Our Lady of Rouen: Mary d’ Audley; 4 children; (2) 1257, Westminster Abbey: Maria of Nassau, daughter of Reinhard, Count of Nassau; 2 children; (3) 1259, Westminster Palace: Sybilla of Warwick, daughter of Henry I, King of England, Ireland & Wales: 7 children; (4) 1294, Warwick Palace: Laura of France (Brittany), daughter of Louis of Brittany, King of France: no children

Titles: King of England, Ireland & Wales, 1252; King of Naples, 1252; Duke of Rouen, 1246; Count of Vexin, 1245; Count of Lleida, 1292; Lord of Portugal, 1252; Lord of Scots, 1252 – 1291, thereafter King of Scots; Overlord of Castile, Denmark & Bohemia, 1252


Origins of the House of Vexin​

Dynasties, or, more precise, names of dynasties, is a modern thinking; names of royal houses did not come about officially until the 19th century. Not only were names difficult to determine, but who founded dynasties. It even became more difficult when dynastic and political relations merged, causing confusion of who actually succeeded whom. Such was the case with the founding of the Vexin dynasty. By all rights, the name should’ve been the House of Nottingham, as Henry II’s father was Robert, earl of Nottingham. But, when his parents were married his mother, Philippa, was duchess of Rouen & countess of the Vexin. Because she had a higher rank, this meant that Lord Nottingham in fact adopted the family’s name. Again, in fact the family name should’ve been kept Warwick. In the end, historians agreed that Vexin was proper, since Henry was referred to as Henry ‘of the Vexin’ following his bestowment of the county. Thus, the dynasty became known as the Royal House of the Vexin (shortened of Vexin). Despite being a new dynasty, the Vexin house was far older than both the Warwick and Norman houses: through Nottingham, they were linked to members of the old Anglo-Saxon royal family, including King Alfred the Great.

Henry of Vexin, duke of Rouen & count of Vexin, had inherited a vast empire: from the western shores of Portugal (and Castile), to the eastern plains of Bohemia; from the cold lands of Denmark, to the warm Mediterranean coast of Naples in the south. Although it was far different from his duchy, Henry was still capable of ruling… for a brief time. It was only two years into his reign that he became seriously ill; many believed it was poison although recent scholars now assume he had smallpox. After recovering in the summer of 1254, the king went mad! At first, few at court believed it was just a rumor. But, when he proposed to his Lord Treasurer, Henry, Lord Sutherland, to finance the building of the Tower of Babylon in the center of London, many knew something was ailing the king. Realizing that he was growing mad by the day, his wife Mary d’Audley agreed with the Officers of State to appoint the duke of Lancaster – Mary’s lover – as the first Lord Chief Justiciar of England. Lancaster was king in all but name, with his lover at his side as regent.

Despite his madness, Henry II still had friends at court, particularly his German vassal the Count Reinhard of Nassau. It was rumored that the count practiced the black arts and cured the king of his madness. Whether or not he was a practitioner, the king recovered in July, 1256. Upon his return to court he ordered an annulment from Rome and removed Lancaster from his office. In February of the following year, upon the completion of their annulment, Queen Mary was banished to Salisbury Castle and Lancaster was forbidden to return to court. In Lancaster’s place, Nassau was appointed Lord Chief Justiciar. And, he had taken Reinhard’s daughter, Maria, as his new bride; they were wed only five days after the annulment. However, the marriage did not last very long: after providing him with only two daughters and no sons, the king had again requested an annulment. It was by coincidence that the Pope, the king’s former tutor, was visiting London when he granted the annulment. Maria was banished to Salisbury. And, like Lancaster, Nassau was removed from his office.

To rule effectively, Henry felt the need to legitimize his reign. To do so, he needed a wife who was linked to established royal family of England; the only way to do so was to marry either a relative. He chose his first cousin, Sybilla of Warwick, daughter of Henry I, as his bride. Despite her beauty and charm, she brought with her perhaps the strongest claim to the throne. After all, by all rights she was the legitimate heiress to the kingship. When she arrived in London from her estate in Lancaster, she drew three demands before the king: 1) to be crowned an equal Queen, thus queen of not just England, but of the other realms and territories under the Crown; 2) to receive her family’s royal dukedom of Warwick; and 3) restore her noble cousin the duke of Lancaster as the Lord Chief Justiciar. The king conceded to all three of her demands, and they were wed in March of that year. To much surprise, it was a happy marriage. The king did not once sire a bastard, though some historians do claim that he did – including the duke of Picardy – but there was no evidence against him. The two would have seven children, two of whom would become crowned heads: their eldest (second born) son, Edward, would inherit the English throne, while their youngest son John would be crowned king of Bohemia. Queen Sybilla was also a caring stepmother to the princesses Adelaide and Adela. It was she who influenced the king into reconciling with his daughters following the annulment and banishment of their mother Mary d’ Audley, and allowed them to return to court.

For the next decade, England was finally at peace, and, it appeared that most social classes in the realm benefited from it. For the lower classes, the growth of the textile and whiskey industries offered more job opportunities. Royal statutes enacted throughout the isle allowed serfs to buy their freedom, though few were able to succeed in their purchase. Of course, the wealth of the nobility grew tremendously, especially for those who were granted offices at court and the granting of more baronial fiefs; the count of Nassau, the king’s former father-in-law, for example would later be created the first marquess of Thuringia. In 1265, the royal council was summoned at Westminster Palace, where the first talks of the unifications of Wales, England and Scotland (at the time a lordship) were discussed. The council believed that the three ‘united kingdoms’, as it was called, would not only decrease chances of civil outbreak following his death, but would centralize authority vested into the Crown. Despite this, Henry rejected their proposal. In 1269, another council was summoned, where a royal statute guaranteed commoners who owned estates of more than 5 parcels of land to sit amongst them. Although this enraged many of the councilors, all of whom were either nobles or clergymen (even free cities had to send a local noble to the council), they conceded to the declaration. In turn, the king granted them prima noctae rights.

With the Hammadids now controlling much of southern France, King Henry knew that this was an opportunity for him to expand his territories by ‘liberating’ the Frenchmen from their infidel captors. In February of 1270 the king called for troops to prepare. Although the nobility pledged allegiance to the Crown, they decided to pay the scutage tax instead of rallying men. Enraged, the king rode to Westminster and summoned his councilors. Before this assembly, he enacted a statute, The Pledge of Allegiance (lesser known as The Fealty Act of 1270); the first attempt at establishing a national army. The king gave the noble houses three options: pay scutage taxes and rally men, rally men and pay no scutage, or relieve themselves of their lands and titles; the third option no one dared do. Above all, soldiers fighting in noble regiments were obliged to pay homage to the Crown above all others and not to their commander. Although this did bring a small rift between the king and the nobility, in the end it proved viable in protecting English soil from political intrigues amongst the noble class.

Although the army departed from the isle in March of 1271, actual fighting did not take place the year following. As fighting began, England was at a great disadvantage. For the most part, the Hammadids had greater number of men, in addition to advanced weapons, armor and technology. However, at the famous battle of Labourd, England gained a powerful grasp. Simultaneously, the king started what would become known as the Hungarian Crusade. Maurice Colvile, who was later created baron of Labourd, led the expedition to ‘free the Christian slaves of Hungary from their infidel masters’. Though the crusade would last five years, England greatly expanded its territories. By 1276, too, the king signed peace with the king of the Hammadids; the cause due to the fear of losing his newly-conquered provinces in France.

King Henry returned to his court at Westminster in late November of that year. Throughout his land he became a king of might and legend; stories and hymns already praising him. Such popularity eventually grew to a unanimous support for him to be crowned emperor. After all, the ‘Empire of the Vexin’, a term coined by court biographer Edward de la Jones (1230 – 1284), spanned most of Western Europe. Surprisingly, Henry publicly refused the title of emperor. History states that the decline of the title was on the king’s modesty. But, in actuality, there was tension brewing between the king and another European emperor – The Holy Roman Emperor. The imperial court was adamant in deterring the establishment of a second empire in Europe. Fortunately for Germans, the Roman Pontiff died earlier in the year and his successor, Marcus of Brandenburg, was the emperor’s nephew. Now a pawn of the German court, the pope rejected England’s petition on several occasions.

Despite the pope’s refusal, the following year it became apparent that the king was truly an emperor over Western Europe. The year 1277 marked the king’s Silver Jubilee – an event mistakenly thought of as a modern observance – and the king wasted no time in celebrating this occasion. Practically every castle, palace, city and farm throughout the realm took part in the ceremonies. Celebrations included tournaments, banquets, hall decorations, masses and even the granting of free gifts to the peasants. The clergy voluntarily made prayers for the king on illustrated manuscripts, which were later sold for a hefty price to the local villagers and city-dwellers. Despite the exhorbent prices the people would spend whatever they could to give honor to their king. As for the royal court, King Henry ended the year-long event with another coronation.

On Christmas Day, members of the court took part in the ceremony. Instead of the traditional crimson attire, Henry, his wife Sybilla, and their children – Edward the Prince of Wales, William, duke of Normandy, John, duke of Bohemia, and Eleanor – were dressed in purple, fur-trimmed velvet robes. The king also commissioned new regalia, including the first Imperial State Crown, the Crown of Queen Sybilla (often called The Empress’ Crown), and a new St. Edward’s Crown. Amongst all the pomp and pageantry, it was above all a political statement: that Henry, by the grace of God, was by all rights an emperor – a ruler of four kingdoms and three Overlord-ships: of Denmark, Bohemia and Castile.

For the next 22 years, the realm maintained its state of peace. And, during this time England prospered. The years 1282 and 1283 are known as the start of the parliamentary movement. Although capable of administrating his country, the king’s influence on his overseas territories was gradually weakening. Thus, the need for representation of the estates was needed. In 1281, through the common council, the king called for ‘an assembly of the lords & prelates, and gentlemen of the realm’. Thus, the parliament assembled in 1282, now referred to as ‘The Model Parliament’, had taken place on the 21st of February. However, the parliament assembled then is not the same as it is today. Unlike the modern bicameral Parliament, The Model Parliament was a unicameral assembly: the fiefs represented either themselves or, for female holders, represented by their male relatives; knights represented the shires (the shire system was introduced in Scotland and in the overlord-ships), while the burgesses represented the free cities. Upon their assemblage, they elected a Speaker, who was, in theory, their leader, who presented their unanimous petitions to the Crown. Duke Phillip of Lancaster was the first Speaker of Parliament. The following year, the king summoned the Parliament of Wales, with the Prince of Wales as their Speaker. Before the Welsh Parliament, he re-established the kingdom of Bohemia, with the duke of Bohemia as its restored king. Unfortunately, that same year, Queen Sybilla of Warwick died. The nation was saddened by this tragic event. As for the king, who loved his wife, he was very depressed and withdrew himself from court life.

With King Henry in seclusion, Prince Edward emerged as a growing figure at court, taking the helm of the government that would one day be his. Edward ordered that the King’s Treasury be moved to a safer location. Plans were made to move it from Winchester Castle to the Tower of London, where it was to be guarded day and night by knights. He would later make reforms to the order of knighthood, through a royal statute. They were to be divided into three classes, each with certain privileges. Knights of the Third Class were simply city guards, trained as knights solely for the protection of traders, marketplaces and from criminals, without the rights and privileges of a knight. Knights of the Second Class were the knights that history is accustomed to. They fought in the royal army, took part in royal tournaments and owned land. But, for this class, they could not sit in Parliament or have their rank hereditary; such rights were bestowed solely to the Knights of the First Class. Highly revered for their military command, they were commonly known by another title, which eventually would become a rank: the order of baronets, since they ruled like baronial houses but did not belong to the peerage.

As England prospered, France fell into a total state of chaos. From its civil revolts in the southern provinces, to its war with Germany, the French were drastically losing their position in medieval politics & history. On the first of November, 1288, King Louis Capet was dethroned by the Duke Louis of Anjou. A month later, Anjou was elected king of France. Although there was long-standing tension between the kings of England and the dukes of Anjou, stemming from the reign of King John, Prince Edward believed that now was the time to end the hatred. In February he and his father, accompanied by senior members of the royal court, traveled to the new French court at Angers. There, it was arranged for Henry’s daughter Cecilia (b. 1279, the last child of Sybilla of Warwick) to wed the new king of France.

With plans for the English princess to marry the new king of France, Edward took the opportunity to give control of the French provinces to England. The controlled estates in France, though belonging to England, still owed fealty to the French king, as did the king himself through his lands in Normandy. He influenced his father to sign the Statute of Rouen, declaring the English estates in France (referred to in the statute as Gaul) belonged ‘first, foremost and forever’ to England, and that king of England no longer pledged loyalty to France. Although Louis couldn’t do anything to prevent it – with resources already depleted – he refused to marry Cecilia. Fortunately, for the English court, Louis was later deposed by another Louis, the Duke of Brittany, in 1291. Shortly following the adoption of the Statute of Rouen, Edward next target was the lordship of Scotland. His goal: to re-establish the kingdom of Scotland. For the most part, it was an effort of centralizing authority under a crowned head of Scotland, as, over the years, the Scottish nobility enjoyed nearly independent power over their estates. Fearing the loss of their power, the Scottish nobles rejected the petition, as did the English Parliament. Unlike the Scots, the English believed that, by establishing a kingdom for the Scots, it would undermine their own precedence over the realm’s nobility.

On behalf of his father, Edward dissolved Parliament. He immediately rode to Wales, where he summoned their parliament whose members were loyal to the prince. Presenting the petition before them, they unanimously approved it on the 3rd of September, 1289. Edward then traveled to Windsor, where King Henry was in seclusion, and presented to him the approved petition. He then rode to Edinburgh, where Edward presented the petition before a council of the nobles. They immediately rejected the petition. Enraged, the prince gained permission to suspend trade and programs in Scotland, stagnating their economy. Beginning in 1290, Scotland was cut from the rest of Europe. Hearing the news of Edward’s plans, the Westminster Court requested the return of the king; he refused to. In secret, Henry too vied for another kingship; another ‘jewel to my crown’.

Although the Scottish nobles could easily smuggle in goods from Ireland, the peasants were truly the ones who were suffering. Finally, in January of 1291, Henry and Edward traveled north to Edinburgh Along their way they dispensed grain, poultry, and even gold to the peasant families. This was, of course, a political tool by Edward so that he could gain support from the lower classes; a political element used by King John. When they arrived at Edinburgh, the king summoned a common council, where he demanded they formally accept him as king. This time, however, he threatened them not only with an overwhelming presence of his personal guards, but he already had royal documents calling for the revocation of their estates and their arrestment for treason. Finally, on the 12th of February, they ‘elected’ him the new King of Scots. Gladdened, the king commissioned the new Scottish regalia: including the Royal Scepter of Scotland, the Royal Mace of Scotland and King’s Ring of St. David. On the second of June, he was invested as the king of Scots.

News of Edward’s success in Scotland reached the courts of the English nobles. Without a royal summon, the duke of Lancaster hastened south to Westminster where he summoned Parliament. Generally referred to as ‘Lancaster’s Parliament’, they unanimously consented to the 1291 Act of Union, the first bill introduced through parliament that consolidated two kingdoms. Under the act, it called for the official consolidation – or, by many, the dissolution – of Wales and merged it with England. Furthermore, it decreed that the English Parliament held precedence over the other governing bodies and assemblies summoned before the Crown. Upon their return, both Henry and Edward were horrified when they returned to court. Outnumbered by the private armies of the members of Parliament, their speaker, Lancaster, presented to the king the Act of Union. Although Henry could’ve rejected the bill, dissolve parliament, and raise troops to arrest Lancaster and all of parliament for treason – actions which were advised upon him by his son – his old age had finally taken a toll on his health. He willingly consented, and affixed his Great Seal on the document. It would be the first time in which Parliament superseded the Crown.

In November of 1292, the court received news that Louis of Brittany was crowned king of France. Although relations with the House of Anjou were positive, King Henry was thrilled to see the deposed Angevin fall from royal grace. To promote the succession of the House of Brittany, the king agreed to marry King Louis’ then 14-year old daughter Laura. The marriage took place two years later, on the 30th of April, 1294; her coronation the following month. Despite her youth and vitality, it was well aware that he only married her to strengthen England’s relation with France. Their marriage was never consummated, though the queen did take up a lover: the 23-year old Viscount de Valete, who was at the time the most powerful official at court –Lord High Chancellor, Lord Treasurer & High Steward of England. Though Prince Edward had evidence of the affair, able to bring forth both the queen and the viscount, he instead charged the viscount with treason, by ‘coercing our most gracious mistress-queen to conduct actions against the Crown’s body and person’. De Valete was found guilty and executed in December of 1294.

In June of 1295, Henry made his final and last speech before the English Parliament, often referred to as ‘The Emperor’s Parliament’. There, he praised his people for the constant support and fealty. He even pardoned Lancaster’s actions, calling him a ‘true servant to the Crown and my person’. For the last time did the people see their king, bedecked in the finest jewels, wearing the Imperial State Crown on his head – symbols of his divine authority and eternal strength. He was also in attendance for two royal weddings: the Lady Cecilia to David Howard, duke of Norfolk, and the Prince Edward’s son Jocelyn, earl of Warwick to Constance Bourchier, the niece of the baron of Ulaid. He was truly a family man, and adored his children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, on February 20, 1299 Henry fell terribly ill. Five days later, he died in his sleep.

Henry’s reign was at the time the longest reign of any of his predecessors – a total of 47 years – as well as the most peaceful. King Henry is well known as the patron nearly fifty churches and monasteries. And, in later years, he started programs to establish the first universities in the English-speaking world: including the University of Oxford, Queen Sybilla’s College (The Queen’s College), College of St. Mary (New College), and St. Mary’s College near Winchester (Winchester College). He was a strong figure, and is most often referred to in later centuries as a father figure to England. In the end, his devotion to the Church and his people gave him the posthumous honor of beatification. It wasn’t a century later that historians would give him the sobriquet, as the founder of the Vexin Empire, ‘The Blessed Emperor’.

 

[queenimperiale]

Henry II ‘the Blessed Emperor’ of Vexin, by the grace of God, King of England, Ireland & Wales, King of Scots, King of Naples, Protector of Rome, Lord of Portugal
b. 1227 Rouen Palace
cr. 1252 Westminster Abbey
d. 1299 Westminster Palace
br. Westminster Abbey​

Henry II of Vexin, King of England, Ireland & Scots, King of Naples, Protector of Rome, Lord of Portugal was the eldest son of Philippa of Warwick, Duchess of Rouen & Countess of Vexin, and Robert, Earl of Nottingham & Lord Ordainer of Normandy. Through his mother, he was the grandson of King Roger of Warwick, and nephew of King Henry (I) of Warwick. By the time he was 18, his uncle decreed that the realm would be transferred into his name following his uncle’s death.

In 1245, he married Mary d’ Audley, the daughter of Richard, Viscount Audley, at the Church of Our Lady of Rouen. That same day, he and his wife were created Count & Countess of Vexin by his mother. Had issue:

• Adelaide, Countess of Lleida & Al Djazair (1246 – 1292). Married Richard of Anjou, Count of Al Djazair, in 1262 and had issue.

• Catherine (1248-1254)

• Simon, Prince of Wales & Duke of Cornwall (1253 – 1256)

• Adela (1254 – 1270)

He was given the accession following the death of his uncle in 1252. He was crowned that same year at Westminster Abbey, as Henry the Second, by the grace of God, King of England, Ireland & Wales, King of Naples, Protector of Rome, Overlord of Castile, Denmark & Bohemia, Lord of Portugal & Lord of Scots; his wife crowned Queen Mary, Queen of England. The first marriage ended by an annulment issued in 1256; Queen Mary was stripped of her title and rank, and banished to Salisbury Castle. King Henry next married Maria of Nassau, daughter of Reinhard, Count of Nassau, in 1257 at Winchester Cathedral. She was crowned on their wedding day as Queen Mary, Queen of England. Had issue:

• Joan (1258 – 1261)

• Maud (1259 – 1260)

The second marriage ended by an annulment issued in 1259. Queen Mary was stripped of her title and rank, and banished to Salisbury Castle. The king next married his first cousin, Sybilla of Warwick, the daughter of King Henry I, in 1259 at Westminster Abbey. She was crowned on their wedding day as Queen Sybilla, Queen of England, Ireland & Wales, Queen of Naples, Lady of Portugal & Lady of Scots, Duchess of Warwick. Had issue:

• Stephen (1262 – 1263)

• Edward, King of England, Ireland & Scots (1263). (1) Constance, daughter of William, Marquess of Verona, in 1279 and had issue; (2) Beatrice de Leyburne, and had issue; (3) Efrosina of Byzantium, daughter of Dimitri, Emperor of Byzantium, in 1305 and had issue.

• Isabel (1264 – 1266)

• William, Duke of Normandy (1265). (1) Edith of Dublin in 1290 without issue; (2) Eleanor of the Shetlands, daughter of Paul, Lord of the Shetlands, in 1295.

• John, Duke, later King, of Bohemia (1266). Married Matilda de Seagrave in 1293 and had issue.

• Eleanor (1269 – 1269)

• Cecilia, Duchess of Norfolk (1279). Married David Howard, Duke of Norfolk, in 1296 and had issue.

Second marriage ceased upon the death of Queen Sybilla in 1283. In 1291, Scottish nobles elected him King of Scots, dissolving the lordship of Scotland. The king next married Laura of Brittany, daughter of Louis of Brittany, King of France in 1294, without issue. She was crowned in 1295 at Westminster Abbey as Queen Laura, Queen of England, Ireland & Wales, Queen of Scots, Queen of Naples & Lady of Portugal. The king died in 1299, aged 72, at the Palace of Westminster. The Roman Catholic Church later beatitied him, earning him the sobriquet ‘The Blessed Emperor’.

 

[Estonianzulu]

This is an excellent AAR, keep up the brilliant work.

Do have a question though; did your dynasty name change? How did you manage that?

 

[coz1]

That was quite a reign Henry had. Emperor indeed. Perhaps the son should attempt to take the imperial crown from Germany just to end any confusion. Great episode!

 

[queenimperiale]

This is an excellent AAR, keep up the brilliant work.

Do have a question though; did your dynasty name change? How did you manage that?

Until Henry II, the royal dynasty was the house of Normandy. The Warwick and Vexin families were just made up for the AAR.