Henry Bolingbroke’s Return to England - August 19, 1399

On August 19, 1399, Henry Bolingbroke, the future King Henry IV of England, made a significant return to English soil at Ravenspur in Yorkshire. This marked the beginning of a crucial chapter in English history that ultimately led to the overthrow of King Richard II.

Background

Henry Bolingbroke, the son of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and grandson of King Edward III, had been exiled by his cousin, King Richard II, in 1398. The reason for his exile stemmed from political tensions and disputes within the English nobility, exacerbated by Richard’s autocratic reign and favoritism towards certain court factions.

Bolingbroke’s exile was initially for ten years, but upon his father’s death in February 1399, Richard II extended it to life and seized the lucrative Lancastrian estates, depriving Henry of his inheritance. This move was unpopular and seen as unjust by many nobles and commoners, catalyzing support for Bolingbroke’s return.

Events Leading to His Return

Richard II, having departed for Ireland to suppress a rebellion, left England under the governance of his allies. This absence provided an opportune moment for Bolingbroke. Building on widespread discontent with Richard’s rule, Bolingbroke rallied support from influential nobles, including the Percy family of Northumberland.

Landing at Ravenspur

Bolingbroke landed at Ravenspur on the east coast of England, a location historically reminiscent of a similar landing by Henry’s great-grandfather, Edward IV. Upon landing, Bolingbroke claimed that his intentions were solely to reclaim his confiscated inheritance and not to seize the crown.

The March on London

Following his landing, Bolingbroke’s campaign gathered momentum as he moved southwards, gathering armed support from various lords disenchanted with Richard’s rule. The Duke of York, acting as the regent in Richard’s absence, initially prepared to resist Henry but ultimately defected, a testament to the widespread discontent with Richard’s administration.

Consequences

Bolingbroke’s return to England and subsequent actions paved the way for his eventual usurpation of the throne. By the time Richard II returned from Ireland, Bolingbroke had amassed considerable support, and Richard was captured in Wales. Eventually, Richard was compelled to abdicate in September 1399, and Bolingbroke ascended the throne as King Henry IV.

This momentous event not only resulted in the downfall of Richard II but also initiated the Lancastrian dynasty’s reign, setting off a chain of events that would culminate in the Wars of the Roses later in the 15th century. The return of Henry Bolingbroke from exile thus represents a pivotal moment in English history, shifting the dynastic trends of the medieval period.