Ten Men Who Almost Became Kings of England
The history of medieval England is marked not only by the reigns of its kings but also by the lives of those who came tantalizingly close to the throne. From unexpected deaths to fierce battles, these figures shaped the course of English history, often altering the line of succession. Here, we explore ten men whose claims to the crown were thwarted by fate, conflict, or tragedy.
Edward the Exile: The Lost Heir
Edward the Exile was born into a tumultuous time, just months before his father, King Edmund Ironside, died in 1016 during a brief struggle for the throne against Cnut the Great. To eliminate potential rivals, Cnut ordered Edward and his brother Edmund to be killed. However, the boys were spared and taken to Sweden, later finding refuge in Kyiv under Yaroslav the Wise. Eventually, they moved to Hungary, where Edward married Agatha, a Hungarian noblewoman.
In 1057, King Edward the Confessor, having learned of his long-lost nephew’s existence, invited Edward back to England, intending to name him as his heir. Tragically, Edward died just two days after his arrival under mysterious circumstances, leading to speculation about foul play. His son, Edgar the Ætheling, was later proclaimed king after Harold Godwinson’s death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, but he failed to secure the throne and ultimately submitted to William the Conqueror.
Robert Curthose: The Captive Prince
Robert Curthose, the eldest son of William the Conqueror, was initially poised to inherit his father’s vast domains. However, family tensions marred his path to the throne. A notorious incident involving his younger brothers, William Rufus and Henry, escalated into a serious quarrel, leading Robert to rebel against his father.
After William’s death in 1087, Robert received the Duchy of Normandy, while William Rufus became King of England. Robert joined the First Crusade, gaining a reputation as a brave knight. However, upon his return, he found his brother Henry had seized the throne after William’s accidental death in 1100. Robert’s attempt to reclaim his birthright ended in defeat at the Battle of Tinchebray in 1106, leading to his imprisonment until his death in 1134.
William Adelin: The Tragic Heir
William Adelin, the only legitimate son of King Henry I, was groomed for kingship from a young age. Born around 1103, he was recognized as heir to both England and Normandy. In 1120, tragedy struck when William boarded the ill-fated White Ship, which sank after hitting a submerged rock. Despite briefly escaping in a small boat, he returned to rescue his half-sister Matilda, leading to the boat capsizing and his drowning.
William’s untimely death left Henry I without a legitimate male heir, igniting a civil war in England when Stephen claimed the crown, further complicating the line of succession.
Eustace IV: The Uncrowned Prince
Eustace IV, Count of Boulogne and eldest son of King Stephen, was recognized as heir during the civil war known as the Anarchy (1135–1153). Stephen attempted to have him crowned, but the Archbishop of Canterbury refused without papal approval. Eustace’s reputation suffered, with chroniclers describing him as an “evil man.”
His sudden death in 1153 shifted the political landscape, leading to the Treaty of Wallingford, which recognized Henry of Anjou as Stephen’s successor. This agreement ultimately paved the way for the rise of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Henry the Young King: The Crown Without Power
Henry the Young King, the eldest surviving son of King Henry II, was crowned as a junior king in 1170. Despite his title, he lacked real authority and became known for his love of tournaments. Frustrated by his limited power, he joined a rebellion against his father in 1173, which ultimately failed.
Henry fell ill in 1183 while campaigning against his brother Richard and died at just 28 years old. His death altered the line of succession, allowing Richard to ascend the throne.
Arthur of Brittany: The Forgotten Claimant
Arthur of Brittany, the son of Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany, was seen as a potential heir during King Richard I’s reign. However, after Richard’s death in 1199, his brother John quickly secured the throne, sidelining the young Arthur. Supported by King Philip II of France, Arthur rebelled against John but was captured during the siege of Mirebeau in 1202.
Arthur’s fate remains a mystery; he disappeared while imprisoned, with many believing John had him murdered. His death tarnished John’s reputation and fueled discontent among his supporters.
Louis VIII: The French Challenger
During King John’s troubled reign, discontent among English barons led to an extraordinary invitation for Prince Louis of France to claim the English throne. In 1216, Louis landed in England with a French army, quickly gaining support and controlling large parts of southeastern England.
However, John’s sudden death shifted the political landscape, leading many barons to abandon Louis in favor of John’s young son, Henry III. Louis faced defeats in 1217 and ultimately withdrew from England, although he later ruled France as Louis VIII.
Alphonso, Earl of Chester: The Short-Lived Prince
Alphonso, the eldest son of King Edward I, was expected to inherit the throne. Born in 1273, he was given the earldom of Chester and engaged in diplomatic marriage plans. Tragically, Alphonso died unexpectedly at the age of ten in 1284, forcing Edward I to reconsider the line of succession.
His death paved the way for Edward II to ascend the throne, leading to a reign marked by rebellion and political turmoil.
Edward the Black Prince: The Ill-Fated Warrior
Edward, known as the Black Prince, was the eldest son of King Edward III and a celebrated military commander during the Hundred Years War. Despite his fame and military successes, Edward never became king due to declining health. He died in 1376, just a year before his father, leading to the ascension of his young son, Richard II, and subsequent political instability.
Edward of Westminster: The Last Lancastrian Hope
Edward of Westminster, the only son of King Henry VI, was central to the Lancastrian claim during the Wars of the Roses. At 17, he fought in the Battle of Tewkesbury, where he was killed. His death marked a turning point in the conflict, ending the direct Lancastrian line and solidifying Yorkist control over the English crown.
The unpredictable nature of medieval succession often reshaped the line of inheritance. The lives of these ten men illustrate how illness, accidents, and conflicts could dramatically alter the course of history in England.
