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Henry Bolingbroke

Henry Bolingbroke

9.0
A nobleman who becomes King Henry IV of England after deposing Richard II
  • proper noun
translation icon : Enrique Bolingbroke
  • After seizing power, Henry Bolingbroke became King Henry IV of England.

Examples

  • After seizing power, Henry Bolingbroke became King Henry IV of England.

  • Shakespeare depicts Henry Bolingbroke as a complex and ambitious figure in his historical plays.

  • Many historians consider Henry Bolingbroke's ascent to the throne a turning point in English history.

  • King Henry Bolingbroke ascended the throne in 1399.

  • Did Henry Bolingbroke really depose Richard II?

  • Many historians consider Henry Bolingbroke's ascent to the throne a turning point in English history.

  • King Henry Bolingbroke ascended the throne in 1399.

Synonyms

Bolingbroke
vsHenry Bolingbroke
1 9.9

A noble title used by Henry IV, the English king who took the throne from Richard II

uses the personal name and life years rather than the noble title
Henry IV of England
vsHenry Bolingbroke
7.2

King of England from 1399 to 1413 who took the throne from Richard II and faced many rebellions

uses the personal name and life years rather than the regnal title

Surface Forms

Morphology

Henry + Bolingbroke

This is a proper name composed of a personal name and a locative/title surname; knowing 'Henry' and 'Bolingbroke' only signals that this is a person but does not convey the historical identity, role, or biographical facts (e.g. that he became Henry IV). Proper names are referential rather than compositional, so a B1 learner who knows the parts cannot derive the full meaning.

Etymology

Henry Bolingbroke comes from Bolingbroke, the village his family came from. He 'took the crown' from King Richard II and became King Henry IV, so the name helps you remember the man who became king after that change of power.