Peace Ethic or Power Politics? Thoughts on the ‘Peace Programme’ of Henry III

This article critically examines a historiographical interpretation of Henry III that has prevailed for roughly a century and attributes to him a distinctive peace ethic, often described as a defining ‘peace programme’ of his kingship. Such interpretations portray Henry’s rule as strongly shaped by personal religiosity, expressed especially through public acts of penance and forgiveness. Yet these ideals are difficult to reconcile with Henry III’s conduct in political conflicts. Focusing on the Battle of Ménfő and selected confrontations with the magnates of the realm, this article compares different types of contemporary evidence. It reveals significant discrepancies between panegyrical representations, especially in the letters of Abbot Bern of Reichenau, and narrative accounts that emphasize military intervention, coercive conflict management and political bargaining. The evidence therefore provides little support for interpreting Henry III’s religious performances as expressions of a consistent peace-oriented policy.