Henry was King of England from 1422 to 1471. His father was Henry V, King of England, and his mother was Catherine of Valois a daughter of King Charles VI, King of France. Henry became King of England in September of 1422 when he was less than a year old after the death of his father who died at the age of 34. While Henry was too young to rule, otherwise known as his minority, his uncles took care of the affairs of the country. They were John, Duke of Bedford and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester.

King of France

Charles VI of France died in 1422 and Henry was declared to be King of France as he was the grandson of the French king and his succession to the French throne had been pledged in the Treaty of Troyes in 1420. The French throne was also claimed by Charles, the nineteen year old son of the old French King. Charles would become Charles VII, King of France.

Hundred Years War

The Hundred Years War continued in the reign of Henry VI. The Duke of Bedford commanded the northern territories of France while Charles VII controlled the south. This was the time of the seventeen year old Joan of Arc who rescued the French at the siege of Orleans in May of 1429. Shortly after this success Charles was crowned at Rheims Cathedral and the French won several battles against the English. In response the Duke of Bedford ensured Henry was crowned even though he was still too young to rule unaided. Joan was captured by the English, and executed after a trial. In December of 1431 Henry was crowned King of France at Notre Dame in Paris. In 1435 the English lost the support of the Duke of Burgundy with the signing of the Treaty of Arras where the Duke recognised Charles as the true King of France. The Duke of Burgundy had been the chief supporter of the English and without his support further military actions in France were difficult. In 1435 the Duke of Bedford died and Paris was retaken by the French in 1436.

Previous monarch: Henry V

Next monarch: Edward IV