Which Is Shakespeare's Earliest Play?

While many things about Shakespeare's early life and work are uncertain, the play generally believed to be his first is "Henry VI." This play appeared in 1592 and is in three parts. Set in the era of the Wars of the Roses, it is based on the Chronicles of Hall and Holinshed, and tells the story of Henry VI from his birth in 1422, when he became king at the age of one, to his death in 1471. The play follows his turbulent life, marked by rebellion, political plots (notably by his own wife Margaret) and his later descent into mental illness from about 1454.  Shakespeare portrays Henry as a gentle, almost saintly man, but weak, easily led and unable to control the kingdom. The French refused to accept him (England had a great many French possessions at the time) and in 1455 the Duke of York claimed the crown for himself. In his final years Henry was frequently imprisoned, and eventually murdered. York's son became king in his place.