Henry III Biography

(born Oct. 1, 1207, Winchester, Hampshire, Eng.—died Nov. 16, 1272, London) King of England (1216–72). He inherited the throne at age nine but did not begin to rule until French-backed rebels were expelled (1234). He alienated the barons by his indifference to tradition and his agreement to supply Innocent IV with funds in exchange for the Sicilian crown. The barons forced him to accept the Provisions of Oxford, but Henry renounced the agreement in 1261. His former favourite, Simon de Montfort, led a rebellion in 1264, defeating and capturing the king. Henry's son Edward (later Edward I) turned the tables a year later, and Henry, weak and senile, allowed Edward to take charge of the government.

Copyright © 1994-2008 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.