King of England (1399–1413). He was the only legitimate son of John of Gaunt, and would have inherited vast estates on his father’s death (in 1399) had Richard II not banished him. He retaliated by invading England and forcing Richard to yield both the estates and the crown of England. Henry’s position as king was not a strong one. He needed the support of the Church (which caused him to be a persecutor of Lollards), the nobility (who dominated his councils), and the House of Commons (which resented his frequent requests for money). Until 1408 he had to deal with the rebellions of Owen Glendower and the Percys, and for the remaining five years of his short life he was in poor health.