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This article is about the actual king. For the plays by Shakespeare, see Henry VI, Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. The First Part of King Henry the Sixth is history play by William Shakespeare, believed written in approximately 1588–1590 The Second Part of King Henry the Sixth, or Henry VI Part 2, is a history play by William Shakespeare believed written in approximately 1590-91 Henry the Sixth Part 3, is a history play by William Shakespeare, believed written in approximately 1590 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England
Henry VI
King of England; King of France; Lord of Ireland (more...)
Henry VI depicted in Cassell's "History of England"
Henry VI depicted in Cassell's "History of England"
Reign 31 August 1422 – 4 March 1461
30 October 1470 – 11 April 1471
Coronation 6 November 1429
Predecessor Henry V
Edward IV
Regent Minority: John, Duke of Bedford
Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester
Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Westminster;
Insanity: Richard, 3rd Duke of York
Successor Edward IV (twice)
Consort Margaret of Anjou
Issue
Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales
Titles and styles
King Henry VI
The King
The Duke of Cornwall
Royal house House of Lancaster
Father Henry V
Mother Catherine of Valois
Born 6 December 1421(1421-12-06)
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Died 21 May 1471 (aged 49)
Tower of London, London
Burial Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Henry VI (6 December 1421 – 21 May 1471) was King of England 1422–1461 (though with a Regent until 1437) and then 1470–1471, and a claimant to the kingdom of France 1422–1453. The precise style of British Sovereigns has varied over the years Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth Events 637 - Antioch surrenders to the Muslim forces under Rashidun Caliphate after the Battle of Iron bridge. Events 491 - Flavius Anastasius becomes Byzantine Emperor, with the name of Anastasius I. Events 355 - Roman Emperor Constantius II promotes his cousin Julian to the rank of Caesar, entrusting him with Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century Edward IV ( 28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 2 October John of Lancaster 1st Duke of Bedford ( 20 June 1389 – 14 September 1435) also known as John Plantagenet, was the third surviving Humphrey Duke of Gloucester ( 3 October 1390 – February 23, 1447) was the fourth son of King Henry IV of England by his first wife Henry Beaufort (c 1375 &ndash 11 April 1447) was a medieval English clergyman and Bishop of Winchester, an anomaly in being Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York ( 21 September 1411 &ndash 30 December 1460) was a member of the English royal family who served in senior Edward IV ( 28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 2 October Margaret of Anjou ( Marguerite d'Anjou, 23 March 1430 &ndash 25 August 1482) was the Queen consort of Henry VI of England Edward of Westminster, also known as Edward of Lancaster ( 13 October 1453 &ndash 4 May 1471) was the only Prince of Wales A royal house or royal dynasty is a familial designation or Family name of sorts used by Royalty. The House of Lancaster was a branch of the English royal House of Plantagenet. Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century Catherine of Valois (27 October 1401 &ndash 3 January 1437 was the Queen consort of England from 1420 until 1422 Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev Windsor Castle, in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, is the largest inhabited Castle in the world and dating back to the time of Berkshire (ˈbɑːkʃə or /ˈbɑːkʃɪə/ say Baak-shuh/-sheer sometimes abbreviated to Berks) is a Home County in the South Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically as The Tower) is a historic monument in central London London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Windsor Castle, in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, is the largest inhabited Castle in the world and dating back to the time of Berkshire (ˈbɑːkʃə or /ˈbɑːkʃɪə/ say Baak-shuh/-sheer sometimes abbreviated to Berks) is a Home County in the South Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. The Kingdom of England was a State (927-1707 located in Western Europe dating from the ninth or tenth century to the early eighteenth century when it was legally A regent, from the Latin regens "who reigns" is a person selected to act as Head of state (ruling or not because the ruler is a minor

Contents

Child King

Henry was the only child and heir of King Henry V of England and therefore great things were expected of him from birth. Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century He was born on 6 December 1421 at Windsor, and succeeded to the throne at the age of nine months on 31 August 1422, when his father died. Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev Windsor Castle, in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, is the largest inhabited Castle in the world and dating back to the time of Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne His mother, Catherine of Valois, was then only 20 years old and as the daughter of King Charles VI of France was viewed with considerable suspicion and prevented from having a full role in her son's upbringing. Catherine of Valois (27 October 1401 &ndash 3 January 1437 was the Queen consort of England from 1420 until 1422 Charles VI (3 December 1368 &ndash 21 October 1422 called the Well-loved (le Bien-Aimé and the Mad (French le Fol or le Fou) was the

On 28 September 1423, the nobles swore loyalty to Henry VI. Events 48 BC - Pompey the Great is assassinated on orders of King Ptolemy of Egypt after landing in Egypt. They summoned Parliament in the King's name and established a regency council. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, Henry IV's youngest son and Henry VI's uncle, was appointed Protector and Defender of the Realm and the Church until the King came of age, but his appointment was revocable by the Council at any time. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester ( 3 October 1390 – February 23, 1447) was the fourth son of King Henry IV of England by his first wife His duties were limited to keeping the peace and summoning and dissolving Parliament. Bishop Henry Beaufort (Cardinal from 1426), Henry V's half-uncle, had an important place on the Council. Henry Beaufort (c 1375 &ndash 11 April 1447) was a medieval English clergyman and Bishop of Winchester, an anomaly in being Henry IV's elder surviving son, John, Duke of Bedford, was the senior regent, having been appointed Regent of France (in charge of running the ongoing war) as well as replacing Gloucester as Regent of England whenever Bedford was personally in the country. John of Lancaster 1st Duke of Bedford ( 20 June 1389 – 14 September 1435) also known as John Plantagenet, was the third surviving

From 1428, Henry's tutor was the Earl of Warwick, whose father had been instrumental in the opposition to Richard II's reign. Richard de Beauchamp 13th Earl of Warwick ( 23 January 1382 &ndash 30 April 1439) was an English Medieval nobleman and The Lords Appellant were a group of powerful Barons who came together during the 1380s to seize political control of England from King Richard II. Henry was also influenced by Henry Beaufort, and later William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk. William de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk, 1st Marquess of Suffolk, 4th Earl of Suffolk ( 16 October 1396 at Cotton Suffolk The young king came to favour a policy of peace in France.

Henry's half-brothers, Edmund and Jasper, the sons of his widowed mother's relationship with Owen Tudor, were later given earldoms. Edmund Tudor 1st Earl of Richmond ( 1431 &ndash 1 November 1456 was the father of King Henry VII of England. Jasper Tudor ( Welsh: Siasbar Tudur) c 1431 &ndash December 21/26 1495 Earl of Pembroke and 1st Duke of Bedford, was the uncle of King Edmund Tudor was the father of Henry Tudor, later to gain the throne as Henry VII of England.

Henry was eventually crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on 6 November 1429 a month before his eighth birthday, and King of France at Notre Dame in Paris on 16 December 1431. Events 355 - Roman Emperor Constantius II promotes his cousin Julian to the rank of Caesar, entrusting him with Events 755 - An Lushan revolts against Chancellor Yang Guozhong at Fanyang, initiating the An Shi Rebellion However, he did not assume the reins of government until he was declared of age in 1437—the year in which his mother died.

As for Henry V's uncles, who in the early part of the child king's reign were the most powerful of the regents, John, Duke of Bedford, died in 1435; and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, was disgraced, and died in custody in 1447, probably of a heart attack, before he could be accused of treason.

Henry's marriage to Margaret of Anjou

English Royalty
House of Lancaster

Armorial of Plantagenet
Henry VI
   Edward, Prince of Wales

As a result of his successes in the Hundred Years' War, Henry V had left England in possession of considerable territories in France, but the momentum was lost on his death. TalkCommonewalth realm.--> The monarchy The House of Lancaster was a branch of the English royal House of Plantagenet. Family chief Heirs cadets House of Lancaster House of York Edward of Westminster, also known as Edward of Lancaster ( 13 October 1453 &ndash 4 May 1471) was the only Prince of Wales The Hundred Years' War (Guerre de Cent Ans was a prolonged conflict lasting from 1337 to 1453 between two royal houses for the French throne vacant with the extinction of the senior Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Since Henry VI was still a child, and England was ruled by a regency government, much of the ground his father gained was lost. A revival of French fortunes, beginning with the military victories of Joan of Arc, led to the repudiation of Henry's title to rule France, and the crowning of the French Dauphin at Reims. Joan of Arc (c 1412 Joan asserted that she had visions from God that told her to recover her homeland from English domination late in the Hundred Years' The English claims to the French throne have a long and rather complex history between the 1340s and the 1800s The Dauphin of France (Dauphin de France—strictly Dauphin of Viennois ( Dauphin de Viennois)—was the title given to the Heir apparent of the Reims (alternative English spelling Rheims; riːmz in English and /ʁɛ̃s/ in French) is a city of the Champagne-Ardenne région of northern Diplomatic errors as well as military failures resulted in the loss of most of the English territories in France.

Margaret of Anjou
Margaret of Anjou

On gaining his majority, Henry VI proved to be a deeply spiritual man, lacking the worldly wisdom necessary to allow him to rule effectively. Right from the time he assumed control as king in 1437, he allowed his court to be dominated by a few noble favourites; the faction in favour of ending the war in France quickly came to dominate, while the voices of Richard, Duke of York and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, the leaders of the pro-war faction, were ignored. Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York ( 21 September 1411 &ndash 30 December 1460) was a member of the English royal family who served in senior Humphrey Duke of Gloucester ( 3 October 1390 – February 23, 1447) was the fourth son of King Henry IV of England by his first wife

Cardinal Beaufort and Suffolk meanwhile persuaded the king that the best way of pursuing peace with France was through a marriage with Charles VII’s niece, Margaret of Anjou. Henry Beaufort (c 1375 &ndash 11 April 1447) was a medieval English clergyman and Bishop of Winchester, an anomaly in being William de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk, 1st Marquess of Suffolk, 4th Earl of Suffolk ( 16 October 1396 at Cotton Suffolk Charles VII (22 February 1403 – 22 July 1461 called the Victorious (le Victorieux or the Well-Served (le Bien-Servi was King of France from 1422 Margaret of Anjou ( Marguerite d'Anjou, 23 March 1430 &ndash 25 August 1482) was the Queen consort of Henry VI of England Henry agreed, especially when he heard reports of Margaret’s stunning beauty, and sent Suffolk to negotiate with King Charles. Charles agreed to the marriage on condition that he would not have to provide the customary dowry and instead would receive the lands of Maine and Anjou from the English. A dowry (also known as trousseau or tocher) is the money goods or estate that a woman brings to her soon to be husband in marriage Maine is one of the traditional provinces of France. It corresponds to the old county of Maine centered around the city of Le Mans. Anjou is a former County (c 880) Duchy ( 1360) and province centred on the city of Angers in the lower These conditions were agreed to in the Treaty of Tours, but the cession of Maine and Anjou was kept secret from parliament. The Treaty of Tours was an agreement between Henry VI of England and the French King Charles VII, signed on May 22 1444. It was known that this would be hugely unpopular with the English populace.

The marriage went ahead in 1445 and Margaret’s character seems to have complemented that of Henry’s in that she was prepared to take decisions and show leadership where he was content to be led by her. In this much Margaret proved a more competent ruler than Henry ever was, even though she was only 16 at that time. Now came the thorny issue of Maine and Anjou. Maine is one of the traditional provinces of France. It corresponds to the old county of Maine centered around the city of Le Mans. Anjou is a former County (c 880) Duchy ( 1360) and province centred on the city of Angers in the lower Henry had procrastinated about keeping his end of the bargain with Charles VII, knowing that it would be a hugely unpopular move and that Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester and the war party would be especially critical of it. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester ( 3 October 1390 – February 23, 1447) was the fourth son of King Henry IV of England by his first wife However, Margaret was determined to make him see it through and finally it became public knowledge in 1446. Most public anger was directed at Suffolk, for having negotiated the Treaty of Tours, but Henry and Margaret were determined to protect him, knowing they were vulnerable too, having also had full knowledge of the conditions of the marriage.

In 1447, the king, the queen and the group surrounding them (Suffolk, Somerset, and the ageing Cardinal Beaufort) summoned Gloucester before parliament on a charge of treason in Bury St Edmunds, and he died in captivity, whether of natural causes or foul play was not clear. Bury St Edmunds is a town in the county of Suffolk, England and formerly the County town of West Suffolk. The death of Gloucester left York as Henry’s heir presumptive, but Henry never officially acknowledged this and York continued to be excluded from the court circle, being banished to govern Ireland, while Henry and Margaret promoted Suffolk and Edmund Beaufort to dukedoms, (a title normally reserved for immediate relatives of the monarch). Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York ( 21 September 1411 &ndash 30 December 1460) was a member of the English royal family who served in senior Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Edmund Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset (1406 &ndash May 22, 1455) sometimes styled 2nd Duke of Somerset was an English nobleman and an important figure in the Beaufort, the new Duke of Somerset (and Cardinal Beaufort's nephew) was sent to France to lead the war. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics.

Increasing unpopularity and insanity

The government's increasing unpopularity was due to a breakdown in law and order, corruption, the distribution of royal land to the king's court favourites, the troubled state of the crown's finances, and the steady loss of territories in France. In 1447, this unpopularity took the form of a Commons campaign against the Duke of Suffolk, who was the most unpopular of all the King's entourage and widely seen as a traitor. William de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk, 1st Marquess of Suffolk, 4th Earl of Suffolk ( 16 October 1396 at Cotton Suffolk Henry was forced to send him into exile, but his ship was intercepted in the English Channel, and he was murdered. His body was found on the beach at Dover. Dover is a town and major ferry port in the county of Kent, England.

In 1449, Somerset, leading the campaign in France, reopened hostilities in Normandy, but by the autumn had been pushed back to Caen. Edmund Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset (1406 &ndash May 22, 1455) sometimes styled 2nd Duke of Somerset was an English nobleman and an important figure in the Normandy (Normandie Norman: Normaundie) is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. Caen (kɑ̃ is a commune in northwestern France. It is the Prefecture of the Calvados department and the capital of the By 1450, the French had retaken the whole province, so hard won by Henry V. Returning troops, who had often not been paid, added to the sense of lawlessness in the southern counties of England, and Jack Cade led a rebellion in Kent in 1450, calling himself "John Mortimer" in sympathy with York and setting up residence at the White Hart Inn in Southwark (the white hart had been the symbol of the deposed Richard II). Jack Cade (possible real name John Aylmer or John Mortimer) was the leader of a popular revolt in the 1450 Kent rebellion which took place in KENT (1400 AM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Adult Standards/MOR format The White Hart ("hart" is an old word for Stag) was the personal badge of Richard II, who derived it from the arms of his mother Joan "The A deer is a Ruminant Mammal belonging to the family Cervidae. Richard II (6 January 1367 &ndash ca 14 February 1400 was King of England from 1377 until he was deposed in 1399 Henry came to London with an army to crush the rebellion, but was persuaded to keep half his troops behind while the other half met Cade at Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks is a Commuter town in the Sevenoaks district of Kent in South East England and forms part of the London commuter belt. Cade triumphed and went on to occupy London. In the end, the rebellion achieved nothing, and London was retaken after a few days of disorder, but the rebellion showed that feelings of discontent were running high.

In 1450, the Duchy of Aquitaine, held since Henry II's time, was also lost, leaving Calais as England's only remaining territory in France. Aquitaine (Aquitània Akitania archaic Guyenne / Guienne (Occitan Guiana) is one of the 26 Regions of France, in the south-western part of Calais (kaˈlɛ in English often kæˈleɪ traditional English pronunciation /ˈkælɨs/ Kales is a town in northern France. By 1452, York was persuaded to return from Ireland, claim his rightful place on the council, and put an end to bad government. Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York ( 21 September 1411 &ndash 30 December 1460) was a member of the English royal family who served in senior His cause was a popular one, and he soon raised an army at Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury ( /ˈʃruːzbri/ or /ˈʃroʊzbri/ is the County town of Shropshire, in the West Midlands region of England The court party, meanwhile, raised their own similar-sized force in London. London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. A stand-off took place south of London, with York presenting a list of grievances and demands to the court circle, including the arrest of the Duke of Somerset. The king initially agreed, but Margaret intervened to prevent the arrest of Somerset. By 1453, his influence had been restored, and York was again isolated. In the meantime, an English advance in Aquitaine had retaken Bordeaux and was having some success, and the queen announced that she was pregnant. Aquitaine (Aquitània Akitania archaic Guyenne / Guienne (Occitan Guiana) is one of the 26 Regions of France, in the south-western part of ( Gascon: Bordèu) is a port city in southwest France, with one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area at a 2008 estimate

However, English success in Aquitaine was short-lived, and on hearing the news of the English defeat in August 1453, Henry slipped into a mental breakdown and became completely unaware of everything that was going on around him. Mental breakdown (also known as nervous breakdown or snapping) is a non-medical term used to describe a sudden acute attack of Mental illness such as This was to last for more than a year, and Henry failed even to respond to the birth of his own son and heir, who was christened Edward (Edward of Westminster and Prince of Wales). Edward of Westminster, also known as Edward of Lancaster ( 13 October 1453 &ndash 4 May 1471) was the only Prince of Wales Prince of Wales (Tywysog Cymru is a title traditionally granted to the Heir Apparent to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom (and formerly the Kingdom York, meanwhile, had gained a very important ally, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, one of the most influential magnates and possibly richer than York himself. Richard Neville Jure uxoris 16th Earl of Warwick and Suo jure 6th Earl of Salisbury ( 22 November York was named regent as Protector of the Realm in 1454. He finally had the position of influence he had wanted, the queen was excluded completely, and Somerset was detained in the Tower of London, while many of York's supporters spread rumours that the king's child was not his, but Somerset's. Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically as The Tower) is a historic monument in central London Other than that, York's months as regent were spent tackling the problem of government overspending. On Christmas Day 1454, however, Henry regained his senses.

Henry possibly inherited his illness from Charles VI of France, his maternal grandfather, who coped with intermittent periods of insanity over the last 30 years of his life. Charles VI (3 December 1368 &ndash 21 October 1422 called the Well-loved (le Bien-Aimé and the Mad (French le Fol or le Fou) was the He, in turn, could have inherited the hereditary trait from his mother Joanna of Bourbon, who showed obvious signs resembling mental breakdown, and her Bourbon family, where her grandfather Louis I, Duke of Bourbon, her father Peter I, Duke of Bourbon and her brother Louis II, Duke of Bourbon each had symptoms of the ailment. Joanna of Bourbon (Jeanne de Bourbon Vincennes, February 3, 1338 &ndash Paris, February 6, 1378) was consort Louis I of Bourbon, le Boiteux, the Lame ( Clermont-en-Beauvaisis, 1279 &ndash January 29 1342) was Count of Clermont-en-Beauvaisis Peter I of Bourbon (1311 &ndash September 19 1356, Poitiers) was the second Duke of Bourbon, from 1342 to his death Louis II of Bourbon, called the Good (1337 &ndash 1410 Montlucon) was the third Duke of Bourbon.

Wars of the Roses

Main article: Readeption of Henry VI

Disaffected nobles who had grown in power during Henry's reign (most importantly the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury) took matters into their own hands by backing the claims of the rival House of York, first to the Regency, and then to the throne itself. The Readeption is the technical term given to the restoration of Henry VI of England to the throne of England Richard Neville Jure uxoris 16th Earl of Warwick and Suo jure 6th Earl of Salisbury ( 22 November Richard Neville jure uxoris 5th Earl of Salisbury KG, PC (1400 &ndash December 31, 1460) was a Yorkist leader during The House of York was a branch of the English royal House of Plantagenet, three of whom became English kings in the late 15th century After a violent struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York (see Wars of the Roses), Henry was deposed and imprisoned on 4 March 1461 by his cousin, Edward of York, who became King Edward IV of England. The House of Lancaster was a branch of the English royal House of Plantagenet. The House of York was a branch of the English royal House of Plantagenet, three of whom became English kings in the late 15th century The Wars of the Roses (1455–1485 were a series of dynastic Civil wars fought in England between supporters of the Houses of Lancaster and York Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth Edward IV ( 28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 2 October By this point, Henry was suffering such a bout of madness that he was apparently laughing and singing while the Second Battle of St Albans raged, which secured his release. The Second Battle of St Albans was a Battle of the English Wars of the Roses fought on February 17, 1461 near the town of St Albans But Edward was still able to take the throne, though he failed to capture Henry and his queen, who fled to Scotland. During the first period of Edward IV's reign, Lancastrian resistance continued mainly under the leadership of Queen Margaret and the few nobles still loyal to her in the northern counties of England and Wales. Henry was captured by King Edward in 1465 and subsequently held captive in the Tower of London. Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically as The Tower) is a historic monument in central London

Queen Margaret, exiled in Scotland and later in France, was determined to win back the throne on behalf of her husband and son, and with the help of King Louis XI of France eventually formed an alliance with Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who had fallen out with Edward IV. Louis XI ( July 3, 1423 – August 30, 1483) called the Prudent (le Prudent and the Universal Spider ( Middle Richard Neville Jure uxoris 16th Earl of Warwick and Suo jure 6th Earl of Salisbury ( 22 November After marrying his daughter to the Prince of Wales, Warwick returned to England, defeated the Yorkists in battle, liberated Henry VI and restored him to the throne on 30 October 1470. Events 637 - Antioch surrenders to the Muslim forces under Rashidun Caliphate after the Battle of Iron bridge. Henry's return to the throne lasted a very short time. By this time, years in hiding followed by years in captivity had taken their toll on Henry, who had been weak-willed and mentally unstable to start with. By all accounts Henry looked lethargic and vacant as Warwick and his men paraded him through the streets of London as the rightful King of England, and the contrast with the imposing King Edward whom he had replaced must have been marked. Within a few months Warwick had overreached himself by declaring war on Burgundy, whose ruler responded by giving Edward IV the assistance he needed to win back his throne by force. Burgundy (Bourgogne Burgund is a region historically situated in modern-day France and Switzerland, inhabited in turn by Celts ( Gauls) The Prince of Wales was killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Background At the time of Tewkesbury the mentally-unstable Lancastrian king Henry VI of England, had just been deposed for a second time by his rival the Yorkist

Death and legacy

Henry VI was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he was murdered on 21 May 1471. Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically as The Tower) is a historic monument in central London Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. Popular legend has accused Richard, Duke of Gloucester of his murder, as well as the murder of Henry VI's son Edward of Westminster. Richard III ( 2 October 1452 &ndash 22 August 1485) was King of England from 1483 until his death Edward of Westminster, also known as Edward of Lancaster ( 13 October 1453 &ndash 4 May 1471) was the only Prince of Wales King Henry VI was originally buried in Chertsey Abbey; then, in 1485, his body was moved to St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Chertsey Abbey, dedicated to St Peter was a Benedictine monastery located at Chertsey in the English county of Surrey. Windsor Castle, in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, is the largest inhabited Castle in the world and dating back to the time of

Edward IV was now the undisputed master of England. Edward IV ( 28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 2 October

Henry's one lasting positive achievement was his fostering of education — he founded both Eton College and King's College, Cambridge. Eton College, or just Eton, is a world-famous British Independent school for boys founded in 1440 by King Henry VI. King's College Cambridge is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Continuing an architectural patronage trend begun by his father, these (King's College Chapel and Eton College Chapel respectively) and most of his other architectural commissions (like his completion of his father's foundation of Syon Abbey) consisted of a single, grand, late Gothic or Perpendicular-style church (usually called a chapel, a term which belies their size) with a monastic and/or educational foundation attached. Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century King's College Chapel is the chapel to King's College of the University of Cambridge, and is one of the finest examples of late English Gothic Eton College Chapel is the Chapel of Eton College, an independent school in the United Kingdom. Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century Syon Abbey, (or Sion Abbey) was a major mediæval Monastery of the Bridgettine Order in the late Gothic or Perpendicular See also Gothic art Gothic architecture is a style of Architecture which flourished during the high and late medieval period. English Gothic is the name of the Architectural style that flourished in England from about 1180 until about 1520 A chapel is a holy place or area of Worship for Christians, which may be attached to an institution such as a large church, a College, a Each year on the anniversary of Henry VI's death, the Provosts of Eton and King's College, Cambridge, lay roses and lilies on the altar which now stands where he died.

Henry's character

Henry’s character as king is best summed up as pious, indecisive and easily-led, and of course later in life, he became severely mentally unstable. He avoided the ostentatious trappings of his role. He often appeared unshaven, wearing farmer's boots, a simple gown and hood, walking up and down with a friendly face. [1] He was kind and generous to those he cared about (which did not help the dire financial situation of his government), giving away land and titles to his advisors. He was keen on reading and 'book-learning' but showed no inclination whatsoever towards leading his country in battle — ironic, considering his reign was one of the bloodiest in English history. He disliked making war on his fellow Christians and he was keen for justice to be done in his name — again ironic, considering the widespread corruption and collapse of law and order which occurred under him. Henry seems to have used religion and piety as a means of escape from the harsh world of bitter rivalries and power struggles which surrounded him at court. He was excessively prudish, which was encouraged by his confessor who advised him to abstain from sex with his wife as much as possible.

Henry seems to have been a decent man, but completely unsuited to kingship. He allowed himself to be totally dominated by the power-hungry factions which surrounded him at court and was later powerless to stop the outbreak of bloody civil war. It was clearly too much for him to cope with, as his recurring mental illness from 1453 onwards showed. During the Wars of the Roses it was his queen, Margaret, who was the driving force behind the Lancastrian faction, while Henry was captured first by one side, then the other. The Wars of the Roses (1455–1485 were a series of dynastic Civil wars fought in England between supporters of the Houses of Lancaster and York Whoever had the king in their possession was able to claim to be ruling in his name.

Ancestry

Ancestors of Henry VI

Popular culture

Legend and literature

Film and television

Henry has been played on film and television by:

References

  1. ^ The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, C. Miles Mander ( May 14 1888 &ndash February 8 1946) born Lionel Henry Mander (and sometimes credited as Luther Miles was a well-known Tower of London is a 1939 Black-and-white Historical film released by Universal Pictures and directed by Rowland V Terry Scully (1936 &ndash 17 April 2001) was a British actor probably best known for his role as Vic Thatcher in the 1970s Television Carl Sebastian Martin Wery (born Wery de Lemans, Trostberg, Upper Bavaria, 7 August 1894 &ndash Munich, 14 March David Warner (born July 29, 1941) is an Emmy Award-winning English Actor who is known for playing sinister or evil characters The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC is a British Theatre company The English Shakespeare Company was an English theatre company founded in 1986 by Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington to present and promote the works of Dame Peggy Ashcroft DBE ( 22 December, 1907 &ndash 14 June, 1991) was an acclaimed Academy Award -winning English Margaret of Anjou ( Marguerite d'Anjou, 23 March 1430 &ndash 25 August 1482) was the Queen consort of Henry VI of England Peter Benson (born 13 June 1921) is a British actor probably best known for playing Bernard Scripps in ITVs popular police drama Richard III is a 1995 film adaptation of William Shakespeare 's play of the same name, starring Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Ian Murray McKellen, CH, CBE (born 25 May 1939 is an English stage and screen actor the Richard III is a film directed by Scott M Anderson, based upon the play by William Shakespeare. 1400-c. 1580 By Eamon Duffy, p. 161
  2. ^ The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, C. 1400-c. 1580 By Eamon Duffy, p. 161
Henry VI of England
Cadet branch of the House of Plantagenet
Born: 6 December 1421 Died: 21 May 1471
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Henry V		 King of England
Lord of Ireland
1422 – 1461		 Succeeded by
Edward IV
Preceded by
Edward IV		 King of England
Lord of Ireland
1470 – 1471
English royalty
Preceded by
John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford		 Heir to the English Throne
as heir apparent
6 December 1421 – 31 August 1422		 Succeeded by
John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford
French nobility
Preceded by
Henry V		 Duke of Aquitaine
1422 – 1449		 Succeeded by
Charles VII
Titles in pretence
Preceded by
Henry V		 — TITULAR —
English Claimant to France
1422 – 1429		 Succeeded by
Edward IV
The House of Lancaster was a branch of the English royal House of Plantagenet. The House of Plantagenet (planˈtadʒɪnɪt also called the House of Anjou, or the First Angevin dynasty, was originally a noble Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century The Kings of Wessex, who conquered Kent and Sussex from Mercia in 825 became increasingly dominant over the other kingdoms of England during The Lordship of Ireland ( 1171 - 1541) was the nominally all-island Irish state created in the wake of the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169-71 Edward IV ( 28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 2 October Edward IV ( 28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 2 October The Kings of Wessex, who conquered Kent and Sussex from Mercia in 825 became increasingly dominant over the other kingdoms of England during The Lordship of Ireland ( 1171 - 1541) was the nominally all-island Irish state created in the wake of the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169-71 The Kings of Wessex, who conquered Kent and Sussex from Mercia in 825 became increasingly dominant over the other kingdoms of England during John of Lancaster 1st Duke of Bedford ( 20 June 1389 – 14 September 1435) also known as John Plantagenet, was the third surviving This is a list of the individuals who were at any given time considered the next in line to inherit the thrones of England Great Britain or the United Kingdom should the incumbent monarch An heir apparent is an Heir who (short of a fundamental change in the situation cannot be displaced from inheriting the term is used in contrast to Heir presumptive John of Lancaster 1st Duke of Bedford ( 20 June 1389 – 14 September 1435) also known as John Plantagenet, was the third surviving The Nobility (la noblesse in France, in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period had specific legal and financial rights and Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century The Duke of Aquitaine ( French: Duc d'Aquitaine) ruled the historical region of Aquitaine under the supremacy of the Frankish and later the Charles VII (22 February 1403 – 22 July 1461 called the Victorious (le Victorieux or the Well-Served (le Bien-Servi was King of France from 1422 A pretender is a claimant to an abolished throne or to a throne already occupied by somebody else Henry V (16 September 1386 &ndash 31 August 1422 was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century The English claims to the French throne have a long and rather complex history between the 1340s and the 1800s Edward IV ( 28 April 1442 – 9 April 1483) was King of England from 4 March 1461 until 2 October
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