1-157-886 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Henry IV of France watching the departure of the Spaniards from Porte Saint-Denis, Paris 22 March 1594. Although Henry (1553-1610) became King of France in 1589, France was embroiled in civil war between the Protestant Huguenots, including Henry, and the Catholic Holy League, founded by Henry, Duke of Guise, with Spanish support, which held Paris. In 1593 Henry converted to Catholicism in a bid to end the civil war. Support for the king grew, and in 1594 he was able to enter Paris and ascend the throne. After a further 3 years of war against Spain and his remaining opponents, Henry signed the Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting religious freedoms to the Protestants and bringing the conflict to an end.