What term is used for the brief restoration of Henry VI to the throne in 1470–71?

The brief restoration of Henry VI to the English throne in 1470–71 is called the Readeption. The term means a taking back or restoration of royal power, and it distinguishes this short Lancastrian return from Henry’s earlier reign.

Edward IV had ruled since taking the throne in 1461, but his former ally Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, became his enemy after a political and personal breakdown. In France, Louis XI helped bring Warwick and Margaret of Anjou together despite their bitter rivalry. They agreed to restore Henry VI, while Margaret’s son Edward of Westminster remained the Lancastrian heir.

Warwick invaded England in September 1470 and forced Edward IV into exile. Henry VI was released from the Tower of London and restored on 3 October, although his mental and physical condition meant that effective power lay with Warwick and other supporters. Official documents referred to this as the first year of Henry’s readeption.

The restoration lasted only months. Edward returned in March 1471, defeated Warwick at Barnet and destroyed the Lancastrian army at Tewkesbury. Henry was deposed again and died soon afterwards, bringing the Readeption to an end.