King Henry VI (1421-1471) Reigned 1422-61 and 1470-71
King Henry VI (1421-1471) Reigned 1422-61 and 1470-71
Oil on panel. Henry VI was born at Windsor; the son of Henry V. He was just eight months old when he succeeded to the English throne in 1422. In the same year, following the death of his maternal grandfather Charles VI, Henry also gained the title King of France. His uncle, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester acted as Regent until the infant king came of age. Henry’s popularity later waned as he lost territories in France. During the Wars of the Roses he was overthrown by Edward (son of Richard, Third Duke of York), who proclaimed himself Edward IV, King of England. In 1465, Henry was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London for five years, before being restored to the throne by Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. However, following the Battle of Barnet (1471) he was recommitted to the Tower and later murdered.
