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Henry V

Henry V is a history play by William Shakespeare, usually dated to 1599, that dramatizes the reign of King Henry V of England and the events around the Battle of Agincourt.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Henry V is a history play by William Shakespeare, usually dated to 1599, that dramatizes the reign of King Henry V of England and the events around the Battle of Agincourt. It is the last play in Shakespeare’s second tetralogy, following the two parts of Henry IV and Richard II.

Plot overview

The play presents Henry’s rise from prince to king, his decision to press claims in France, and the military and political events surrounding Agincourt. It ends with Henry’s courtship of the French princess Catherine, framing the military victory as a dynastic settlement.

Date and text

Scholars generally place the play in 1599. The earliest printed version was the 1600 quarto, while the First Folio text of 1623 is longer and considered more reliable.

Historical basis

The play draws on the life of King Henry V of England, especially the 1415 campaign in France, the Battle of Agincourt, and the Treaty of Troyes.

Literary significance

Henry V is one of Shakespeare’s major history plays and is often read as both patriotic drama and political theatre. Its speeches and battle scenes have made it one of the best-known works in the Shakespearean canon.

Key facts

  • The play follows King Henry V as he claims the French throne and leads an invasion of France.
  • Its dramatic centre is the English campaign that culminates in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
  • The play is commonly dated to 1599.
  • It first appeared in print in a corrupt 1600 quarto edition and later in the 1623 First Folio.
  • The work is part of Shakespeare’s connected history cycle that includes Richard II and Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Henry V?
Henry V was written by William Shakespeare.
When was Henry V written?
It is generally believed to have been written around 1599.
What is Henry V about?
It dramatizes King Henry V’s reign, especially his claim to the French throne and the campaign leading to Agincourt.
Is Henry V based on a real historical king?
Yes. It is based on Henry V of England, who reigned from 1413 to 1422.
What genre is Henry V?
It is a Shakespearean history play.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Henry-V-by-Shakespeare
    Supports: Authorship, genre, date of first performance/publication, and position in Shakespeare’s sequence of history plays
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_V_(play)
    Supports: Title, subject matter, approximate date, and plot focus on Agincourt
  3. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust — https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/henry-v/
    Supports: Plot summary and thematic outline
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_V_of_England
    Supports: Historical Henry V, reign dates, Agincourt, and Treaty of Troyes
  5. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-V-king-of-England
    Supports: Historical Henry V’s reign, Agincourt, and basic biography
  6. The Royal Family — https://www.royal.uk/henry-v
    Supports: Historical Henry V’s accession, France campaign, Agincourt, Treaty of Troyes, and death