1422-1461 Great Britain Henry VI Silver Halfpenny – aVF

Henry VI: The Gentle King in a Brutal Age

Born to Rule, Unready to Reign

Henry VI was born on 6 December 1421 at Windsor Castle, the only son of the legendary Henry V and Catherine of Valois. He became king of England at just nine months old, following his father’s sudden death. A baby on the throne? Hardly ideal. But with nobles running the show, England muddled through.

The Quiet First Reign

While his advisors governed, Henry grew into a soft-spoken, deeply religious man—more suited to a monastery than a battlefield. In 1429, he was crowned King of England, and by 1431, he even held the French crown—at least on paper. However, as the Hundred Years’ War dragged on, English fortunes faded fast. Henry lacked the steel to lead, and when France rebelled under Joan of Arc, he simply prayed.

Collapse into Chaos

As tensions rose, rival noble houses—Lancaster (Henry’s side) and York—began circling. Henry married Margaret of Anjou, a fierce and ambitious queen who did the fighting for both of them. Meanwhile, Henry drifted in and out of catatonic episodes, once remaining silent for over a year. In his absence, the kingdom fractured. Enter Edward IV, dashing Yorkist and fan of sharp swords and sharp suits.

War of the Roses: Thrones and Thorns

In 1461, after a string of Yorkist victories, Edward seized the crown. Henry fled, then returned briefly in 1470 during a Yorkist spat. His second reign lasted only six months—hardly a comeback. In 1471, Edward IV crushed Henry’s forces at Tewkesbury, killed Henry’s only son, and recaptured London. Henry was “mysteriously” found dead shortly after, likely with more dagger than dignity.

Legacy of a Broken Crown

Henry VI founded Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge—two lasting gifts to education. Yet his weak rule sparked civil war, splintered the monarchy, and soaked England in blood. Kind-hearted but catastrophically passive, Henry proved that thrones require more than prayers—they demand power.

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