Henry II Biography

Henry II ended the regular levy historically known as Danegeld after its final collection.

Birth of Henry II, son of Francis I

Held hostage in Spain, 1526-1530

Marries Catherine de Medicis

Succeeds as King of France

Born to Francis I & Catherine de Medici

Death of Francis I

Succeeds as King of France, 2nd son of Francis I

Henry II captures Boulogne-sur-Mer from the English

Henry II captures Boulogne-sur-Mer from the English

France regains Boulogne-sur-Mer & Engand withdraw from Scotland. England receives 400,000 crowns & the release of John Knox

Concludes an alliance with Prince Maurice of Saxony against Charles V

Captures Metz

Captures the Bishopric of Metz from the Emperor Charles V

Captures Toul

Captures the Bishopric of Toul from the Emperor Charles V

Captures Verdun

Captures the Bishopric of verdun from the Emperor Charles V

Captures Metz, Toul & Verdun

Launches a failed attempt to invade Tuscany

Concludes an alliance with the German Protestant Princes against Emperor Charles V

Charles V tries to recapture Lorraine but is repulsed at Metz

Charles V tries to recapture Lorraine but is repulsed at Metz

Henry II authorizes the French campaign against English Calais

Henry II celebrates the recovery of Calais from England

Henry II gains a major propaganda victory from the capture of Calais

Philip II marries Henry II's daughter Elizabeth. Henry II's sister marries Emmanuel Comte de Savoy. Ends war between the Valois of France & the Habsburg Empire

Henry II ends the long Habsburg Valois war by treaty with Spain and England

Henry II's daughter Elizabeth marries Philip II as part of the peace settlement

Henry II is fatally wounded during a tournament celebrating the peace

Death of Henry II, mortally wounded in a tournament

Henry II dies from wounds suffered in a tournament