← All Plays

    Henry VI, Part 1

    history

    Henry VI Part 1 is the first of three plays about a disastrous reign, and the start of a long civil war. A child inherits the English throne after the death of his famous father, Henry V, and the country begins to unravel. Abroad, England is losing its grip on France, where Joan of Arc inspires the French to fight back. At home, two groups of nobles, marked by red and white roses, begin the bitter feud that will tear England apart.

    ▸SCENE I. Westminster Abbey.▸SCENE II. France. Before Orleans.▸SCENE III. London. Before the Tower.▸SCENE IV. Orleans.▸SCENE V. The same.▸SCENE VI. The same.

    ▸SCENE I. Before Orleans.▸SCENE II. Orleans. Within the town.▸SCENE III. Auvergne. The COUNTESS's castle.▸SCENE IV. London. The Temple-garden.▸SCENE V. The Tower of London.

    ▸SCENE I. London. The Parliament-house.▸SCENE II. France. Before Rouen.▸SCENE III. The plains near Rouen.▸SCENE IV. Paris. The palace.

    ▸SCENE I. Paris. A hall of state.▸SCENE II. Before Bourdeaux.▸SCENE III. Plains in Gascony.▸SCENE IV. Other plains in Gascony.▸SCENE V. The English camp near Bourdeaux.▸SCENE VI. A field of battle.▸SCENE VII. Another part of the field.

    ▸SCENE I. London. The palace.▸SCENE II. France. Plains in Anjou.▸SCENE III. Before Angiers.▸SCENE IV. Camp of the YORK in Anjou.▸SCENE V. London. The palace.

    Characters

    View all characters →Explore themes →
    Lord TalbotEnglish commander in FranceJoan la PucelleFrench warrior, Joan of ArcDuke of GloucesterLord Protector during Henry's minorityRichard PlantagenetLater Duke of York, Lancaster's rival

    Famous Quotes

    See all quotes →

    “Hung be the heavens with black, yield day to night!”

    Duke of Bedford — Act 1, Scene 1

    “We mourn in black: why mourn we not in blood?”

    Exeter — Act 1, Scene 1

    “Glory is like a circle in the water, Which never ceaseth to enlarge itself Till by broad spreading it disperse to nought.”

    Joan La Pucelle — Act 1, Scene 2

    Further Reading

    Best Lines by Shakespeare: Quotes on Life, Love and More

    A curated collection of Shakespeare's most famous lines, organised by theme, from love and loss to daily wisdom, sport and celebration. Each quote includes the play it comes from and why it still resonates.

    Who Was William Shakespeare? A Complete Life and Biography

    The life of Shakespeare: born in Stratford 1564, the Globe, his death in 1616, and the First Folio. The facts, checked.

    Test Your Knowledge

    Think you know your Shakespeare? Put it to the test with one of our free quizzes.

    Ultimate Shakespeare Quiz Hamlet Quiz Romeo & Juliet Quiz Emoji Quiz Insults Quiz
    See all quizzes →
    Buy the Arden edition on Amazon →

    As an Amazon Associate, ShakespeareGo earns from qualifying purchases.