King Henry III (AQA GCSE History)

Summary

Henry III’s time as king was marked by a breakdown in relations with the barons. The issues of money and disputes with the Pope were behind the arguments with the barons, much as they had been in King John’s reign. Henry III was also accused of having favourites and of allowing England to be run by foreigners.

Who was Henry III?

• Henry III was king of England between 1216 and 1272

What problems did Henry III have?

• During his reign, Henry III had three main challenges:

  • His relations with the Pope

  • Accusations of having ‘foreign’ favourites

  • Shortage of money

Relations with the Pope

• Henry was a very religious king and keen to support Pope Innocent IV

  • The Pope demanded more and more money from Henry to finance his wars in Europe

• When payments were not made on time, the Pope threatened to excommunicate Henry and close all of England’s churches

  • To raise money Henry increased taxes

  • This caused further increased tensions with the barons

Accusations of having ‘foreign’ favourites

• It was believed that Henry gave the best government roles to a small group of French friends and advisors

  • Many people believed the courts gave Henry’s favourites special treatment 

  • Some barons were highly suspicious of the French

  • They feared England under Henry was being run by foreigners or ‘aliens’ which is how they referred to the French

Shortage of money

• Giving money to the Pope meant that Henry often made demands for more funds from his barons

• He also raised taxes to fund military campaigns to win back the lands in France that his father had lost