It's impossible to say definitively which English kings did not speak English, as we lack concrete evidence about their language abilities. However, we can make educated guesses based on historical context.
Early English Kings:
- William the Conqueror (1066-1087): While William was born in Normandy, he likely spoke some French, but he would not have spoken English. The Norman Conquest brought the French language to England, and it became the language of the court and nobility.
- Henry II (1154-1189): As a descendant of William the Conqueror, Henry II likely spoke French as his primary language, though he would have been exposed to English.
- Richard I (1189-1199): Also known as Richard the Lionheart, Richard I spent most of his reign in France and spoke French primarily.
Later Kings:
- Edward III (1327-1377): This king was born in England and spoke English, but he also spoke French. French remained the language of the court for many years.
- Henry IV (1399-1413): Henry IV was the first English king to be born in England and to speak English as his native language.
While it's hard to say for certain, it's likely that many early English kings did not speak English as their primary language. The Norman Conquest and the subsequent influence of French language and culture significantly impacted the language landscape of England for centuries.
