King Henry III was John I’s son and Henry II’s grandson. He inherited the throne from his father at the age of nine during another one of those pesky Civil Wars the English like so much (thanks, Dad). Not only was he an ineffective ruler, but he went through money like water after several unsuccessful invasions into Wales and France, and prompted rebellions among the barons (who forced him to limit his powers by signing the “Provisions of Oxfordâ€). The first Parliament (or so considered) convened during his reign, in reaction to this repudiating king. The Baron’s War would ensue leading to the king’s capture and his ultimate escape from captivity orchestrated by his son, Edward, who would eventually succeed his hapless father.
