Henry IV of France

Henry IV (French: Henri IV) (December 13, 1553 – May 14, 1610), called the Great (French: le Grand), was the first of the Bourbon kings of France, reigning from 1589 until 1610. As a Protestant, he was involved in the Wars of Religion before acceding to the throne; to become King of France he converted to Catholicism and signed the Edict of Nantes, granting religious liberties to the Protestants and effectively ending the civil war. One of the most popular French kings (both during and after his reign), showing great care for the welfare of his subjects, as well as displaying an unusual religious tolerance for the time, he was murdered by a disturbed man, Ravaillac. In France, Henry IV was (and still is) informally nicknamed le bon roi Henri ("good king Henry").

Related Topics:
French - December 13 - 1553 - May 14 - 1610 - Bourbon - Kings of France - Protestant - Wars of Religion - Edict of Nantes - Ravaillac

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