The
Forgotten Monarchs: 5 Lesser-Known Kings and Queens of England The history of England is rich and varied, encompassing hundreds of years, numerous rulers, and a host of significant events. However, amongst the famous monarchs and iconic moments are a few lesser-known figures who played a significant role in shaping the country's history. Here are five forgotten kings and queens of England that you may not have heard of. 1. Henry VI One of England's weakest and most ineffective kings, Henry VI was crowned at just nine months old and reigned for a total of 38 years. He spent much of his life battling mental instability, which made him unable to effectively manage the country. His reign was marred by numerous conflicts, most notably the Wars of the Roses, which saw the Yorkists take control of the throne. Henry eventually died in the Tower of London in 1471, after being deposed twice by his Yorkist rivals. 2. Lady Jane Grey Often referred to as the "Nine Days Queen," Lady Jane Grey was briefly crowned queen in July 1553. The grand-niece of Henry VIII, she was placed on the throne by a faction of nobles who opposed the Catholic Mary Tudor's claim to the crown. However, Jane's reign was short-lived, and she was deposed after just nine days by Mary's supporters. She was eventually executed for her supposed involvement in a rebellion against Mary's reign. 3. Stephen A distant relative of William the Conqueror, Stephen was crowned King of England in 1135. His reign was marked by a bloody civil war with his cousin, Matilda, who also claimed the throne. Despite an initial period of success, Stephen was eventually captured by Matilda's forces and forced to sign a treaty that saw him recognize her as his successor. Although Stephen technically remained king until his death in 1154, his reign was significantly weakened by the civil war, and his legacy has largely been overshadowed by the more famous monarchs that came after him. 4. Edward V Edward V was just twelve years old when he was crowned king in 1483, following the death of his father, Edward IV. However, his reign was short-lived, as he was deposed by his uncle, Richard III, just a few months later. Edward and his younger brother, Richard, were both declared illegitimate and disappeared from history, leading to speculation that they were murdered in the Tower of London. Although Richard III's reign was also brief, he is remembered as one of England's most controversial and intriguing monarchs, while Edward V has largely been forgotten by history. 5. Matilda The daughter of Henry I, Matilda's claim to the throne was challenged by her cousin, Stephen, leading to a long and bloody conflict known as the Anarchy. Although Matilda did not succeed in claiming the throne herself, her son, Henry II, eventually became king, marking the beginning of the Plantagenet dynasty. Despite her significant role in this period of English history, Matilda is often overlooked in favor of other more famous monarchs. In conclusion, these forgotten kings and queens of England may not be as well-known as their more famous counterparts, but they still played a significant role in shaping the country's history. From weak and ineffective rulers to tragic figures and forgotten heroes, their stories offer a fascinating insight into the turbulent and ever-evolving history of England.
