TIMELINE Henry’s disastrous reign
1422
Before his first birthday, Henry VI inherits the thrones of England and France. His uncles rule on his behalf.
1426
The infant Henry presides over the ‘Parliament of Bats’ as warring factions struggle for supremacy, members of each side hiding wooden bats in their clothing.
1440
To celebrate attaining his adult rule, Henry founds Eton College. The following year he establishes King’s College, Cambridge.
1445
Hoping for a peace treaty to end the Hundred Years’ War, Henry marries Margaret of Anjou, a French princess (below).
1447
Henry’s uncle the Duke of Gloucester (above) is arrested for treason and dies in royal custody. Rumours persist that he was killed by Henry’s leading councillors.
1450
Most of France is lost. Cade’s Revolt seizes London. Four of Henry’s councillors are murdered and the Duke of York returns from Ireland to assert his right to lead the government.
1453
Henry suffers a mental breakdown so profound he cannot recognise, nor respond, to his family. The ‘sickness’ lasts 17 months, during which time Henry’s only child is born. York serves as Protector.
1455
At St Albans, York and his supporters attack Henry. A number of Henry’s attendants are killed and he is injured, possibly again falling ill. York seizes control of government.
1456
To undermine York’s authority, Queen Margaret removes Henry and the Lancastrian court to Coventry.
1461
York’s son Edward IV deposes Henry VI. After Edward’s victory at the bloody battle of Towton in Yorkshire, Henry and his family are forced into exile.
1465
Henry is captured by Edward’s supporters and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
1471
After Margaret briefly secures Henry’s restoration, the Lancastrian regime is again toppled. Henry’s son is killed in battle. Margaret and Henry are imprisoned. At Edward’s command, Henry is murdered in the Tower.