April 9

April 9th 1413

Henry V is crowned King of England

Henry V was born on the 16th of September 1386 - he was the son of Henry IV of England and Mary de Bohun. At the time of his birth, his father had not yet taken the throne but it was his cousin Richard II who was king of England and Henry was not yet in the direct line to inherit the throne. In 1399 the Lancastrian usurpation brought his father Henry IV to the throne and Henry became the Prince of Wales at his father's coronation. On the 10th of November 1399 Henry was given the title of Duke of Lancaster - he was the third person to hold that title that year.

Henry was quite a military leader and during the Hundred Years War he lead his troops to victory at Agincourt over the French. A treaty with France brought about his marriage to Catherine of Valois, daughter of Charles VI of France. They were married on June 2nd 1402 a Troyes Cathedral.

When Henry IV died on the 20th of March 1413 his son became King of England and he was crowned Henry V of England on the 9th of April 1413 at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was marked by a huge snowstorm - the common people could not decide if this was a good omen or a bad omen - I guess only time would tell.

Henry V was a huge fan of the English language as he promoted the use of English in government and his reign marks the appearance of Chancery Standard English.In fact, Henry V was the first English King since the Norman Conquest to use English in his personal correspondence.