Henry III

King of England from 1216 to 1272 who clashed with nobles over the powers of his throne. When not fighting the British nobility he tried, unsuccessfully, to assert British control on the Continent. His reign was the longest in medieval British history, totaling 56 years.

He inherited the crown at age 9.

His older cousin, Eleanor of Brittany, had a better claim to the throne by virtue of parentage, but the ruling class did not want a woman on the throne.

He was the first British monarch to reign over the land for more than 50 years; Queen Elizabeth II also went on to reign for over 50 years on the throne.