Henry VI of England, born on 6 December 1421, was the only child of Henry V and Catherine of Valois. His father's early death in 1422 led to Henry's ascension to the throne as an infant, under the regency of his uncles. Given that his father had been such a dominant and heroic figure, the young king faced the daunting task of maintaining the gains of his predecessor.

Henry's youth was marked by a series of regencies due to his age, and he had little personal influence over the governance of his realm until he was declared of age in 1437. Much of his upbringing was dominated by religious education, which left an indelible mark on him. He was described as pious, gentle, and somewhat detached from the political machinations that surrounded him.

His reign saw England gradually lose its territories in France, won by his father, culminating in the loss of Bordeaux in 1453, which effectively ended the Hundred Years' War. This loss was a significant blow to English prestige and to Henry's authority. Domestically, the realm faced economic difficulties, and political infighting was rife, leading to the Wars of the Roses – a dynastic conflict between the houses of Lancaster (to which Henry belonged) and York.

One of the significant issues during his reign was Henry's own mental health. In 1453, he suffered a complete mental breakdown, the cause of which is still debated, though it might have been inherited from his maternal grandfather, Charles VI of France. This incapacity further destabilized his reign and allowed rival factions to jostle for power.

In terms of accomplishments, Henry founded both Eton College and King's College, Cambridge, emphasizing his commitment to education and religion. His relationship with the governing class and Parliament was strained due to the power struggles and his own periods of incapacity. Foreign relations, particularly with France, deteriorated with the loss of English territories.

Henry married Margaret of Anjou in 1445, a union intended to cement peace with France. They had a son, Edward, in 1453. Margaret was a formidable and politically active queen, often stepping into the role of leader due to Henry's incapacities.

The Wars of the Roses took a severe toll on Henry. He was captured by the Yorkists in 1465 and imprisoned. He was briefly restored to the throne in 1470, only to be deposed again in 1471. Henry VI died in the Tower of London on 21 May 1471, under suspicious circumstances. It's widely believed he was murdered, given that his death conveniently made way for Edward IV's uncontested rule.

The English people had mixed feelings about Henry. Many pitied him for his mental afflictions, and he was viewed as a pious, well-intentioned king. However, his reign was marked by political instability and military losses, which overshadowed his personal qualities.

Culturally, this period was vibrant despite the political turmoil. The roots of the Renaissance began to touch England, with an increased interest in the arts and knowledge. The Wars of the Roses, though destructive, would go on to inspire countless retellings, most notably in the plays of William Shakespeare.