Henry of Bolingbroke and the Revolution of 1399

Abstract

On 30 September 1399 Henry IV ascended the throne in dramatic circumstances. The events of the day, and how they were to be recorded, had presumably been the subject of some thought over the previous weeks. The scene in Westminster Hall was carefully prepared. As the Lords and other representatives of the estates of the realm gathered, the obvious focus of attention was the throne on which Richard II had been wont to sit crowned and with all his regalia, glowering at his subjects.