Cradle of Henry V

The Cradle of Henry V is, according to tradition, the cradle in which the new-born Henry of Monmouth was laid. The cradle was purchased at auction from Edward VII, whose successors later handed over to the London Museum. It is now believed that it was built only a century after the time of Henry V.; but they regarded as a unique example of a medieval cot for a baby of noble birth.

History

The child who Henry V of England should be, was born on September 16, 1386 in Monmouth Castle. He was the son of Mary de Bohun and Henry Bolingbroke, and the grandson of John of Gaunt. Monmouth was among the possessions of Henry of Bolingbroke, here the newly married couple lived several years. Mary died in 1394, Henry Bolingbroke overthrew King Richard II and Henry IV was in 1399, King of England. The young Henry of Monmouth was to succeed his father in 1413, King Henry V.

During the 18th and early 19th centuries the cradle was to be of a local celebrity and her claim, a genuine relic from the infancy of Henry V, became generally accepted. She was privately owned, but was often shown visitors. The cradle should be in 1839 came into possession of the antiquary George Weare Braikenridge, from Brislington, Bristol; who reported that he had bought it for £ 30. In 1872 the cradle, along with the armor which allegedly contributed Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt is said to have been in the House in Troy Mitchel Troy. This was reported by William Watkins Old Monmouth from 1876, the Royal Historical Society.

The Cradle in 1908 auctioned by Christie's in London, where she was bought for 230 guineas by Guy Laking, the armorer of Edward VII on his behalf. The Cradle came to Windsor Castle, and remained there for four years. In 1912, the London Museum at Kensington Palace was founded under the direction of Guy Laking. The cradle was handed over to the Museum of Edwards successor King George V.. The London Museum, now known as the Museum of London, moved in 1950 to its present location at the Barbican Centre.

The cradle is made of oak, with two heraldic birds looking at the hanging cradle. It is believed that it dates from the late 15th century and is a unique example of a medieval cot for a baby of noble birth, but it must be dated to the period after Henry V.