Henry VI’s 18-Month Stupor

In 1453, King Henry VI of England fell into a catatonic stupor that lasted about 18 months. The episode began shortly after England suffered a major military defeat in the Hundred Years’ War, and Henry became unable to speak, move, or respond to people around him. During this period he reportedly failed to react even when his newborn son, Edward of Westminster, was presented to him. Historians believe the illness may have been inherited from his maternal grandfather, Charles VI of France, who experienced similar episodes of mental instability.

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