King Henry VI
(1421-1471), Reigned 1422-61 and 1470-71Sitter associated with 39 portraits
Henry VI descended from the royal house of Lancaster and succeeded to the throne at the age of nine months. A council ruled in his name during his minority. As an adult he suffered military defeats and territorial losses in France. Contemporary accounts indicate his personal instability and he was involved in constant power struggles. After losing the crown to the Duke of York (Edward IV) in 1461, he was imprisoned between 1465 and 1470. In 1470 the hapless king was briefly restored to the throne but was captured and perhaps murdered. He was the founder of Eton College and King's College, Cambridge. A posthumous cult, venerating him as a 'saint', flourished into Tudor times.
by Unknown artist
oil on panel, late 16th or early 17th century
NPG 546
'The Kings and Queens of England: From the Conquest to Queen Victoria'
by Henry Hering
albumen carte-de-visite photomontage, 1862
NPG Ax131392
after Unknown artist
line engraving, probably 17th century
NPG D23771
Fictitious portrait of King Henry VI
by Domenicus Custos (De Coster)
line engraving, published 1600
NPG D33917
King Henry IV; King Henry V; King Henry VI
by Jodocus Hondius
line engraving, 1610
NPG D23855
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, 1628
NPG D23758
possibly by William Faithorne
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D23774
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, published 1638 (1618)
NPG D9404
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, published 1638 (1618)
NPG D9405
probably by William Faithorne, published by Sir Robert Peake
line engraving, circa 1640
NPG D22807
after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1649
NPG D23769
after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1649
NPG D33914
after Unknown artist
line engraving, late 17th-early 18th century
NPG D33916
by John Goldar
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D23770
after Unknown artist
line engraving, perhaps 18th century
NPG D23772
by Hall
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D23773
after Unknown artist
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D23775
The lines of Plantagenet, Lancaster and York
by George Vertue
etching, circa 1700-1756
NPG D32045
after Unknown artist
line engraving, 18th century
NPG D33915
Related People
- Catherine of Valois (mother)
- Edward, Prince of Wales (son)
- King Henry IV (grandfather)
- King Henry V (father)
- Queen Margaret of Anjou (wife)
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