Eight kings of England have borne the name Henry, but only two of them were born as heirs to the throne: Two seized the crown by force of arms, one by craft and opportunistic speed, and one by skillful diplomacy and an early flowering of that great British virtue, compromise.

Among their number are saints and monsters, the best known and the least known of English kings. One was a storybook hero, leading an army to triumph against overwhelming odds. Another sat out a battle, singing to himself and playing with his fingers while the arrows flew past. Half of them have been accused of blatant murder, though in general the actual killings were carried out by others.

Between them, these English monarchs represent every possible shade of kingship, and each in his own time was 'Harry of England'.