Henry I

Henry Beauclerk (the learned), the third surviving son of William I and Matilda of Flanders, was born in 1068.

On his father's death he received no land but was given instead ?5,000 in silver. His elder brothers, Robert of Normandy and William Rufus, often quarreled about land and titles. Henry was constantly changing sides and both men eventually developed a deep distrust him.

When William Rufus was killed in an hunting accident on 2nd August 1100, most people expected Robert of Normandy to become king. However, Henry decided to take quick action to gain the throne. He rushed to Winchester where the government's money was kept and after gaining control of the treasury, he declared himself king.

Robert of Normandy was furious when he heard what Henry had done and the following year arrived with his army at Portsmouth. Robert could make little headway against Henry, and decided to withdraw.

In 1106 Henry I invaded Normandy and captured Robert at the battle of Tinchebrai. Robert was brought back to England and spent the rest of his life as a prisoner at Devizes, Bristol and Cardiff.

Edward, 1042-1066 William I, 1066-1087 William II, 1087-1100 Henry I, 1100-1135 Stephen, 1135-1154 Henry II, 1154-1189 Richard I, 1189-1199 John, 1199-1216 Henry III, 1216-1272 Edward I, 1272-1307 Edward II, 1307-1327 Edward III, 1327-1377 Richard II, 1377-1399 Henry IV, 1399-1413 Henry V, 1413-1422 Henry VI, 1422-1461 Edward IV, 1461-1483 Edward V, 1483-1483 Richard III, 1483-1485 Henry VII, 1485-1509 Henry VIII, 1509-1547 Edward VI, 1547-1553 Mary, 1553-1558 Elizabeth I, 1558-1603 James I, 1603-1625 Charles I, 1625-1649 Charles II, 1660-1685 James II, 1685-1688 Mary II, 1688-1694 William III, 1688-1702 Anne, 1702-1714 George I, 1714-1727 George II, 1727-1760 George III, 1760-1820 George IV, 1820-1830 William IV, 1830-1837 Victoria, 1837-1901 Edward VII, 1901-1910 George V, 1910-1936 Edward VIII, 1936 George VI, 1936-1952