HenryII

Henry II was King of England from 1154 until his death in 1189. He was the first monarch of the House of Plantagenet. Born in 1133, he was the son of Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou, and Empress Matilda. Henry's reign marked a significant period of consolidation and reform in English governance.

He inherited a kingdom ravaged by civil war, known as The Anarchy, and immediately set about restoring royal authority and order. Henry was known for his energetic and far-reaching administrative reforms. He strengthened the royal courts, developing a more systematic and common system of law across the kingdom, which laid the foundations for English common law. He also expanded the use of juries and improved the efficiency of tax collection.

His reign was not without its challenges. The most famous dispute was with Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, over the rights and privileges of the Church. This conflict, which culminated in Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral, caused significant turmoil and damaged Henry's reputation.

In addition to his English territories, Henry held vast lands in France, including Normandy, Anjou, and Aquitaine. His continental possessions and his role in French affairs were a constant feature of his reign. He faced rebellions from his own sons, who sought to gain more power and independence.

Henry II was a complex and powerful ruler, often described as restless and formidable. He died in 1189, leaving behind a more centralized and stable kingdom, and a legal system that would endure for centuries. He was succeeded by his son, Richard I.