Henry was born to the prominent Ronovci family, though the date of his birth remains unknown.

However, some research suggests that there is a missing generation, and that Henry and his brother Čeněk of Oybin may be the grandsons of Chval instead.

[3] He fought against the King Albert I of Germany, defending Kutná Hora in 1304 together with his friend Jan of Vartenberk [cs].

At the instigation of Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia, he was arrested and accused of conspiracy against the king.

[6] However, some of the nobility and his romantic partner, the queen widow Elizabeth Richeza of Poland, sided with Henry.