King Henry I
Also known as Henry Beauclerc
Son Drowned
Henry’s only legitimate son drowned in the English Channel when returning from Normandy in a sailing ship in 1120, ‘The White Ship,’ over 300 people drowned.
Daughter Escaped
King Henry made his only legitimate daughter, Matilda, his heir but this was not popular with English barons as they did not want to be ruled by a woman. Matilda famously escaped from Oxford Castle, with three knights and walked for six miles through snow and ice.
Nephew Succeeded
The king was succeeded by his nephew, Stephen.
The Exchequer, began in the reign of King Henry I, the primary reason was to investigate money paid to the Crown; twice a year a sheriff would collect the King’s revenues. Today, the Exchequer resides at 11 Downing Street – next door to the Prime Minister.
Although King Henry I died in France, and his body embalmed at Rouen Cathedral, his body was taken to England and he was buried in front of the High Altar at Reading Abbey.
Reading Abbey was consecrated by Archbishop Thomas a Becket but was destroyed in 1538 – during the reign of King Henry VIII (Dissolution of the Monasteries). Today, the Abbey lies in the centre of Reading (a ruined abbey) rubble of walls, gateway and hospitium intact.There is a plaque commemorating King Henry I’s burial.
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