Henry VI
- Born:
- December 6, 1421, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England
- Died:
- May 21, 1471, Tower of London, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- King of England (1422-1461; 1470-1471), King of France (1422-1453)
Early Life and Education
- Became King of England at the age of nine months upon the death of his father, Henry V.
- Also became King of France shortly thereafter, inheriting the French throne due to the Treaty of Troyes.
- His early reign was governed by regents, including his uncles John, Duke of Bedford, and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester.
Career and Major Achievements
- His reign was marked by the loss of English territories in France, effectively ending the Hundred Years' War.
- Suffered from periods of mental instability, leading to periods where he was unable to rule.
- Deposed by Edward IV in 1461, marking the beginning of the Wars of the Roses in earnest.
- Briefly restored to the throne in 1470.
Notable Works
- Foundation of Eton College (1440).
- Foundation of King's College, Cambridge (1441).
Legacy and Impact
While his reign was ultimately unsuccessful in preserving English holdings in France and maintaining peace in England, King Henry VI, born into a position of immense power, is remembered for his piety and his educational foundations, Eton College and King's College, Cambridge. His perceived weakness contributed to the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses and a period of significant political instability.