Henry I of England

c. 1068 – 1 December 1135

House: Normandy

Titles: King of England, Duke of Normandy

Henry I, also known as Henry Beauclerc, was the King of England from 1100 until his death in 1135 and the Duke of Normandy from 1106 to 1135. Born the fourth son of William the Conqueror, he was initially left landless until he gradually rebuilt his power base in the Cotentin and seized the English throne upon his brother William II’s death. A harsh but effective ruler, he leveraged the existing Anglo-Saxon systems of justice, governance, and taxation, and strengthened them with new institutions like the royal exchequer and itinerant justices.

His reign was marked by conflicts with his brothers and with France over the control of Normandy, which he secured after the Battle of Tinchebray. Henry faced challenges to his rule from Louis VI of France, Flanders, and Anjou, but managed to maintain his territories. His son William’s death in the White Ship disaster led to a succession crisis and the eventual civil war known as the Anarchy after his death. Henry died after a week of illness, and despite his efforts to establish his daughter Matilda as his successor, his nephew Stephen ascended to the throne.

Notable events

1087
Henry's father William the Conqueror died, leaving the lands divided among his sons, with Henry initially receiving money but no land.
1100
Seized the English throne after the death of his brother William II in a hunting accident.
1106
Defeated his brother Robert Curthose at the Battle of Tinchebray, subsequently imprisoning him for life and taking control of Normandy.
1120
The White Ship disaster resulted in the death of his heir William Adelin, leading to a succession crisis.
1120
Negotiated a peace settlement with Louis VI of France after a series of military and political conflicts.
1135
Died after a week of illness, leading to a disputed succession and the period of civil war known as the Anarchy.
1100
Married Matilda of Scotland, securing political alliances and legitimacy for his reign.
1116-1119
Victory at the Battle of Brémule against Louis VI of France, leading to a favorable peace settlement.
1121
Married Adeliza of Louvain after the death of his first wife Matilda of Scotland, in hopes of producing a male heir.
1125
Reformed the English coinage, enforcing harsh punishments for coiners found guilty of debasing the currency.

Other details

Death: Died at the age of 66-67 after a week of illness, likely caused by eating too many lampreys. Buried at Reading Abbey.

Reign: 35 years and 118 days

Children: 2 legitimate: Matilda, William Adelin; numerous illegitimate

Marriages: Married to Matilda of Scotland until her death in 1118, then to Adeliza of Louvain from 1121

Parents: Son of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders

Sources

Compiled from various 3rd hand sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/