Today, a plaque on the Giltspur Street wall of Barts is a reminder of the work of Dame Joanna Astley. But who was she and why was her nursing role of critical importance?
Henry VI of England was born in December 1422 in Windsor, the son of Henry V. When is father died on 14 August 1422, young Henry became King of England at only nine months old. Then in October that year his grandfather died so the baby was also pronounced King of France. While the King was growing up there were regents making the key decisions of the day until Henry reached the age of 16. However, that meant there was always a risk that someone would try and usurp power so keeping the young king healthy was critical to maintain stability in the country.Â
Dame Joanna Astley was appointed nurse to the young King Henry V1 and cared for him as a baby until around 1430 when Henry was old enough to rule. Then, when Joanna retired she rented a flat on Giltspur Street where the plaque can now be seen. She would have been so close to the medieval hospital and church.Â
Henry V1 suffered from mental illnesses during his life and was twice deposed in the Wars of the Roses. Finally, Edward IV imprisoned Henry in the Tower of London where he was murdered in the Wakefield Tower in 1471.
