Henry VI

Henry VI became King of England at nine months old after his father, Henry V’s death, and was disputedly recognized as King of France following his maternal grandfather, Charles VI’s death. His reign began with England at the height of its power in France during the Hundred Years’ War, but his tenure saw a decline in English fortunes abroad. He was crowned King of France in 1431, but his rule was marked by setbacks and internal divisions. Henry VI, known for his passive nature and periods of mental instability, oversaw the loss of English territories in France and faced growing unrest at home.

His marriage to Margaret of Anjou in 1445 did not bring the desired peace, and his government faced accusations of mismanagement. With Henry’s incapacitation, power struggles ensued, leading to the Wars of the Roses. He was deposed by Edward IV in 1461, briefly restored in 1470, but ultimately died in the Tower of London. Despite his troubled reign, he founded notable educational institutions such as Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge.