Profession: King of England and Lord of Ireland
Biography: Henry VI was an English monarch who reigned from 1422-1461 and again from 1470-1471. He was the only child of King Henry V, who had died in 1422, and was born on December 6th 1421. At the age of nine months he was crowned King of England, and he was also King of France until 1453.
Henry VI was a weak ruler who was prone to bouts of mental illness. He was unable to prevent civil war between the House of Lancaster and the House of York, and was eventually deposed in 1461. He was briefly restored to power in 1470, but was soon deposed again.
Henry VI eventually died in the Tower of London in 1471, bringing an end to the civil wars. He left behind no heirs, and was succeeded by the House of York's Edward IV. Henry VI's reign was short and turbulent, but he was remembered for his piety and generosity.
Born: December 6, 1421
Birthplace: Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Articles and Photos
Married Life
- 1445-04-23 Margaret of Anjou weds King Henry VI of England in Titchfield, Hampshire
Historical Events
- 1422-08-31 Henry VI becomes King of England at the age of 9 months
- 1431-12-16 King Henry VI of England crowned King of France (only English monarch to wear both crowns)
- 1441-06-24 Eton College founded in England by Henry VI
- 1446-07-25 Foundation stone laid for King's College Chapel in Cambridge by King Henry VI, one of England's finest medieval buildings (main structure complete 1515)
- 1450-05-08 Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen revolt begins against King Henry VI and they march towards London
- 1455-05-22 Opening battle in England's 30-year Wars of the Roses. Richard of York takes St Albans, capturing King Henry VI
- 1460-07-10 Wars of the Roses: Richard of York defeats King Henry VI at the Battle of Northampton, Henry VI is captured
- 1460-12-30 Wars of the Roses: Battle of Wakefield (Northern England), Duke of York killed and his forces soundly defeated by forces of King Henry VI
- 1461-02-17 Wars of the Roses: Second Battle of St Albans - Lancastrian army defeats Yorkists and recaptures King Henry VI
- 1461-03-29 Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Duke Edward of York defeats the Lancastrian army, deposes King Henry VI and Queen Margaret of Anjou and proclaims himself as King Edward IV
- 1461-06-28 Yorkist Edward IV crowned King of England after deposing Henry VI from the House of Lancaster
- 1470-10-30 Wars of the Roses: Henry VI of England returns to the English throne after Earl of Warwick defeats Yorkists in battle
- 1471-04-11 Wars of the Roses: King Edward IV of England seizes London from Henry VI
Biographies and Sources
- History of the Chapel - Kings College Cambridge
Christian III
Henry III of France
Henry VIII
John II
Louis XII
Louis XIII