Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster

Henry, 3rd Earl of Leicester and Lancaster, was born around 1281 and died on 22 September 1345. He was the grandson of King Henry III of England and played a significant role in the deposition of King Edward II, his first cousin. As the younger son of Edmund Crouchback and Blanche of Artois, Henry had royal lineage through both his parents. His elder brother was Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. Henry was summoned to Parliament as Baron Lancaster in 1299 and participated in the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300.

Following his brother’s execution for treason in 1322, Henry petitioned for the restoration of his brother’s lands and titles, becoming Earl of Leicester in 1324. He joined Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer in deposing Edward II and was responsible for the former king’s custody. Henry served as head of the regency council for Edward III, captain-general of forces in the Scottish Marches, Constable of Lancaster Castle, and High Sheriff of Lancashire. He played a role in ending Mortimer’s regency, resulting in Mortimer’s execution. In his later years, he became blind and founded a hospital at Leicester Castle, where he was buried after his death in 1345.