Page:History of the Kings & Queens of England.pdf/16

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HENRY VI.

Born 1421. Began to Reign August 3 1422. Died March 21, 1471. Reigned 38 Years.

Succeeded his father when only about a year old and shortly afterwards became king of France at the death of Charles VI. The Duke of Bedford was appointed regent during the minority of the young king, who was chaste, pious, merciful and kind; but unhappily he had a weakness of mind which unfitted him for governing without the assistance of others. The Duke of Bedford dying in 1443, affairs in England were in a lamentable state. After a variety of troubles Henry was deposed, though ably supported by his wife, Margaret of Anjou, who was possessed of masculine abilities and daring bravery. He was finally committed to the Tower, where he was murdered in the fiftieth year of his age; and his son was murdered by the hands of the Dukes of Gloucester and Clarence.

Eminent men in this reign :-Bishop of Winchester: Dukes of Bedford, Gloucester, and Exeter, regents and guardians to the king.