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He assumed personal rule in 1437, six years after the death of [[Joan of Arc]] at a time when the [[French]] were starting to extricate themselves from the successes of Henry V.

He assumed personal rule in 1437, six years after the death of [[Joan of Arc]] at a time when the [[French]] were starting to extricate themselves from the successes of Henry V.

When English prestige and morale required a leader of character, Henry was more inclined towards cultural pursuits. By the 1450s - partly due to his unpopular decision in 1448, (at Margaret’s request) to cede control of the county of [[Maine]] to the French king - certain [[barons]] began agitating for Henry to be replaced by Richard, duke of York, next in line to the throne. Their cause was strengthened in 1453 by Henry’s first bout of madness and widespread anger at the loss of [[Gascony]].

When English prestige and morale required a leader of character, Henry was more inclined towards cultural pursuits. By the 1450s - partly due to his unpopular decision in 1448, (at Margaret’s request) to cede control of the county of [[Maine (France)|Maine]] to the French king - certain [[barons]] began agitating for Henry to be replaced by Richard, duke of York, next in line to the throne. Their cause was strengthened in 1453 by Henry’s first bout of madness and widespread anger at the loss of [[Gascony]].

Open conflict began in 1455 at [[St. Albans]] and marks the start of the dynastic strife in England between the houses of [[Lancaster]] and [[York]] and their supporters, known as the [[Wars of the Roses]]. Henry was forced to bring Richard into government; however Margaret was able to persuade her husband to dismiss Richard the next year. Open conflict again broke out in 1459,  Henry was captured at [[Northampton]] the following year, and forced to accept Richard as his heir.  

Open conflict began in 1455 at [[St. Albans]] and marks the start of the dynastic strife in England between the houses of [[Lancaster]] and [[York]] and their supporters, known as the [[Wars of the Roses]]. Henry was forced to bring Richard into government; however Margaret was able to persuade her husband to dismiss Richard the next year. Open conflict again broke out in 1459,  Henry was captured at [[Northampton]] the following year, and forced to accept Richard as his heir.