Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Did Henry VI Have A Sex Coach?

Aug 8, 2025
Join historian Lauren Johnson, an expert on Henry VI, as she unravels the complexities of a king battling royal expectations and personal struggles. Discover the intriguing dynamics of his controversial marriage to Margaret of Anjou and the challenges of intimacy in a turbulent time. Johnson sheds light on Henry's misunderstood masculinity, his mental health issues, and the societal pressures he faced, providing a fresh perspective on royal life that blurs the lines between power, governance, and emotion.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Henry VI's Gentle Nature

  • Henry VI was a very peaceful, gentle king unlike the typical warrior kings around him.
  • He grew up with textbook ideas about kingship, which clashed tragically with reality.
INSIGHT

Henry VI's Chastity

  • Henry VI showed little sexual interest, unlike the stereotypical medieval king.
  • He shocked courtiers by rejecting naked dancers and avoiding sexual advances.
INSIGHT

Royal Bedroom Assistance

  • Henry VI's marriage intimacy reportedly required trusted servants present to assist.
  • This suggests he may have been inexperienced and needed help to consummate the marriage.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app