Charles VI (lived 1368-1422) reigned as King of France from 1380 to 1422, during an important phase of the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) against England. Known as the 'Mad King' due to his frequent bouts with psychosis, Charles often had to hand power over to regents, which at various times included his corrupt uncles, his wife Queen Isabeau, and his debaucherous younger brother Louis I of Orléans. His reign was a tumultuous time for France, encompassing the start of a civil war between the Armagnac and Burgundian factions, as well as a disastrous French defeat at the hands of the English at the Battle of Agincourt (25 October 1415). After Agincourt, Charles was forced to disinherit his own son and recognize King Henry V of England (reign 1413-1422) as his heir. However, Charles managed to outlive Henry by two months, allowing his son, Charles VII of France (reign 1422-1461), to continue the struggle against England.
More about: Charles VI of FranceDefinition
Timeline
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12 Mar 1396Richard II of England marries Isabella of France, the daughter of Charles VI of France, thus sealing a three-decade peace between the two countries.
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Sep 1415Henry V of England captures the Fench port of Harfleur.
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25 Oct 1415Battle of Agincourt in France between English and French armies. The former, led by Henry V of England, were victorious.
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1417 - 1419Henry V of England conquers Normandy.
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Jan 1419Henry V of England captures Rouen.
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May 1420Treaty of Troyes between England and France which nominates Henry V of England as the successor to Charles VI of France.
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2 Jun 1420Henry V of England marries Catherine of Valois, daughter of Charles VI of France in Troyes Cathedral.
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Mar 1421An English army loses to a French army at the Battle of Baugé.
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11 May 1422Henry V of England captures the French stronghold of Meaux.
