The Line of Lancaster. "Let him that is no coward nor no flatterer, SHAKSPEARE. HISTORICAL SUMMARY. Henry the Fourth. 1399. THE Duke of Lancaster was crowned King, by the title of Henry the Fourth, in October. The Parliament settled the succession on the House of Lancaster. 1400. A conspiracy was entered into to assassinate Henry, which was discovered to him by the Duke of Albemarle, and suppressed by the vigour and activity of the King. Robert III. King of Scotland refusing to do homage, Henry marched to the north, and ravaged all Scotland. Next year the Scots, commanded by Earl Douglas, made an irruption into England; but they were met and defeated by the Piercies at Homeldon near the borders. Whilst Henry was in the north the Welsh revolted, and chose Owen Glendower, a private gentleman, for their prince: and in their excursions they took the Earl of March prisoner. Emanuel Paleologus, Emperor of Constantinople, arrived in England to crave help against Bajazet, Emperor of the Turks. Henry dismissed him with presents, and promises of aid when his own affairs should be more firmly established. 1401. Henry, to court the clergy, allowed them to burn William Sautre, a clergyman, for heresy, he being a Wickliffite. This was the first execution on account of religion in England. France demanded Isabella, widow of Richard, as the marriage had not been consummated on account of her youth. Henry not choosing to quarrel with the regents of that nation, complied with their demand. Henry marched into Wales, but was obliged to content himself with destroying the country, as Glendower retired into the mountains. 1402. The King married Joanna of Navarre; she next year arrived in England, and was met by him at Winchester. 1403. The Earl of Northumberland, who had been very serviceable in placing Henry on the throne, quarrelled with him concerning some Scotch prisoners, and entered into a league with Owen Glendower: but falling sick, his troops were commanded by his son Piercy, who was encountered by the King (before Glendower could join him) and entirely defeated and slain near Shrewsbury. Northumberland came to the King at York, endeavoured to excuse his conduct, and was pardoned. 1405. Another insurrection broke out, which was quelled by the Earl of Westmorland. The Prince of Wales gained two victories over Glendower. 1407. Robert King of Scotland, alarmed for his son James's safety, owing to the violent and turbulent disposition of his own brother, the Duke of Albany, sent his son, about nine years of age to France for his education: but the vessel was taken, and the young Prince was carried to Henry, who, detained him a prisoner for many years, but gave him an excellent education. The Earl of Northumberland, who had again broken out into rebellion, was defeated and slain by Sir Thomas Rokesby, Sheriff of Yorkshire. Soon after this battle Glendower died, and the Welsh insurrection was put an end to. The imprisonment of Prince James occasioned the death of his father Robert: and Henry kept the Duke of Albany, the Regent, in awe, by threatening to release the young King. 1413. King Henry died. |