Henry IV. 1399–1413
HENRY Four, called ‘Bolingbroke’
In Richard’s wheel puts many a spoke;
Compels him to resign the throne
Which thereupon he makes his own.
Through John of Gaunt, Lancastrian famed,
His title to the crown he claimed;
The Parliament confirms his right
And thus he’s king without a fight.
Lollards 1401
In this reign persecution’s turned
Against the Lollards—Cobham’s burned.
Incredible! The records show
A statute ‘de Comburondo.’
Henry V. 1413–1422
FROM fourteen-thirteen, Henry Five,
For many years with France did strive;
His Widow founds the Tudor House
By taking Owen for her spouse.
Henry VI. 1422–1461
HENRY Six, next in our rhymes,
For fifty years had troublous times;
Wars of Roses, Wars with France,
The poor man never had a chance.