King Henry III of England

Henry III, also known as Henry of Winchester, was born on 1 October 1207 at Winchester Castle. He was the eldest son of King John of England and Isabella of Angoulême. Henry became king at the age of nine during the First Barons' War, following his father's death in 1216.

During his early reign, Henry's forces, led by William Marshal, defeated the rebel barons at the battles of Lincoln and Sandwich in 1217. He promised to uphold the Great Charter of 1225, a version of Magna Carta, to limit royal power. His rule was initially guided by William Marshal and later by Hubert de Burgh.

In 1230, Henry attempted to reclaim French provinces lost by his father, but the campaign failed. A revolt led by Richard Marshal in 1232 ended with a peace settlement. Afterward, Henry began ruling personally, focusing on his favorite palaces and castles.

Henry married Eleanor of Provence in 1236, and they had five children. He was known for his religious devotion, often holding lavish ceremonies and supporting charities. His policies towards the Jewish community included extracting large sums of money and introducing the Statute of Jewry.

In 1242, Henry's invasion of Poitou ended in defeat at the Battle of Taillebourg. He then turned to diplomacy, forming an alliance with Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor. Despite supporting his brother Richard's successful bid for King of the Romans, Henry failed to secure the Sicilian throne for his son Edmund.

By 1258, dissatisfaction with Henry's foreign policies and local governance led to a baronial coup and the Provisions of Oxford. The Second Barons' War erupted in 1263, with Simon de Montfort seizing power. Henry was captured at the Battle of Lewes in 1264 but was freed after his son Edward defeated de Montfort at the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

Henry III died on 16 November 1272 in Westminster and was buried in Westminster Abbey. He was succeeded by his son Edward I.