Henry II of France

Henry II (French: Henri II) (March 31 1519 – July 10 1559), a member of the Valois Dynasty, was King of France from July 31, 1547 until his death.

Related Topics:
French - March 31 - 1519 - July 10 - 1559 - Valois Dynasty - King of France - July 31 - 1547

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Born in the Royal Château at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, the son of François I and Claude de France, his marriage was arranged to Catherine de Medici (April 13 1519 - January 5 1589) on October 28 1533 when both were 14 years old. His long-running affair with Diane de Poitiers lasted throughout his married life.

Related Topics:
Saint-Germain-en-Laye - François I - Claude de France - Catherine de Medici - April 13 - 1519 - January 5 - 1589 - October 28 - 1533 - Diane de Poitiers

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He was crowned King on July 25 1547 in the cathedral at Reims. His reign was marked by wars with Austria, and the persecution of the Protestant Huguenots. Henry II severely punished them, burning them alive or cutting out their tongues for speaking their Protestant beliefs. Even someone suspected of being a Huguenot was imprisoned for life.

Related Topics:
July 25 - 1547 - Reims - Austria - Protestant - Huguenot

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Henry II was an avid hunter and participant in jousting tournaments. On July 1 1559, during a match to celebrate the Peace Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis with his longtime enemies, the Habsburgs of Austria and to celebrate the marriage of his daughter Elizabeth of Valois to King Philip II of Spain, King Henry's eye was pierced by a sliver that penetrated the brain, from the shattered lance of Gabriel Montgomery, captain of the King's Scottish Guard. He suffered terribly, and, despite the efforts of royal surgeon Ambroise Paré, passed away on July 10 1559 and was buried in a cadaver tomb in Saint Denis Basilica.

Related Topics:
July 1 - 1559 - Peace Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis - Habsburg - Elizabeth of Valois - Philip II of Spain - Gabriel Montgomery - Scottish - Ambroise Paré - July 10 - Cadaver tomb - Saint Denis Basilica

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He was succeeded by his son, François II. For the next forty years following Henri II's death, France was filled with turbulence as his sons and other claimants to the French crown fought for power.

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