© Richard Randall

Caribbean

Sundries

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Consolidated power

Henry V was now at the height of his power. Having detached Sigismund from France (and paved the way to ending the schism with the Treaty of Canterbury) he shared with him the credit of having ended the Great Schism by obtaining the election of Pope Martin V. All the states of Western Europe were being brought within the web of his diplomacy.

The headship of Christendom was in his grasp, and plans for a new Crusade began to take shape. He actually sent an envoy to collect information in the East; but his plans were cut short by death. A visit to England in 1421 was interrupted by the defeat of Clarence at BaugÈ. The hardships of the longer winter siege of Meaux broke down his health, and he died of dysentery at Bois de Vincennes on August 31, 1422. Had he lived another two months, he would have been crowned King of France.

Final words and legacy

Henry's last words supposedly expressed a wish that he might live to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This ideal was founded consciously on the model of King Arthur, a model which was becoming outdated. (It also referred back to his father's death in Jerusalem - actually the Jerusalem Chamber in the home of the Abbot of Westminster). Yet Henry was not reactionary. His policy was:

• a firm central government supported by parliament;

• church reform on conservative lines (including church foundation innovating in the late Gothic or Perpendicular style, as at Syon Abbey - a trend continued by his son);

• commercial development;

• and the maintenance of national prestige.

His aims in some respects anticipated those of his Tudor successors (as did his modelling himself on King Arthur - Henry VII's eldest son was, of course, named Arthur), but he would have accomplished them on medieval lines as a constitutional ruler. His success was due to the power of his personality. He could train able lieutenants, but at his death there was no one who could take his place as leader. War, diplomacy and civil administration were all dependent on his guidance.

Henry lies buried in Westminster Abbey. His tomb was stripped of its splendid adornment during the Reformation. The shield, helmet and saddle, which formed part of the original funeral equipment, still hang above it. The head has now been replaced.

He was succeeded by his infant son, Henry VI.

Almost two hundred years after death, Henry became the subject of a series of famous plays by William Shakespeare. First as heir to the throne Hal. See Henry IV, Part 1,Henry IV, Part 2.Then later as king. See Henry V (play),

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