King Henry VI, Part 1

by William Shakespeare

"King Henry VI, Part 1" by William Shakespeare is a history play believed to have been written in 1591. Following the sudden death of the mighty Henry V, England's French territories crumble under rebellion while nobles squabble over power at home. As the young, uncrowned Henry VI inherits a fracturing kingdom, military disasters mount abroad and political factions—symbolized by red and white roses—emerge at court. The legendary warrior Talbot battles French forces led by Joan of Arc, while personal jealousies among English lords set the stage for the Wars of the Roses.