Henry II of France (1519-1559) - Find a Grave Memorial

Monarch of France. Also known as Henry of Valois of the Capetian dynasty, he was the second son of King Francis I. He ascended the throne of France after the sudden death of his older brother Francois (1547). His foreign policy was essentially marked by a series of wars that led to the conquest of Piedmont and Savoy at the expense of Spain (1552), and the territory of Calais at the expense of England. From his marriage to Caterina de Medici, were born ten children, three of whom subsequently became sovereign. Henry II was a fervent Catholic on the edge of fanaticism, and was the initiator of the religious war against the Huguenots. He died (1559) following a fortuitous accident during a knightly joust.

Bio by: Lucy & Chris