Henry II
Henry II, born on March 5, 1133, as Henry Plantagenet, was one of the most significant monarchs in English history. Here are some key points about his life and reign:
Early Life and Family
- Henry was the son of Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou (also known as Geoffrey Plantagenet), and Empress Matilda, who was the daughter of Henry I of England.
- He inherited the title of Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou from his father, and through his mother's claim, he also sought the English throne.
Reign
- Accession to the Throne: Henry became King of England on December 19, 1154, after the death of King Stephen. His accession ended the period known as The Anarchy, a civil war between Stephen and Matilda.
- Empire: Henry II established what is sometimes referred to as the Angevin Empire, which at its peak included England, large parts of France (including Normandy, Anjou, Maine, Touraine, Aquitaine, and Gascony), and parts of Ireland.
- Legal Reforms: One of Henry's most enduring contributions was to the legal system. He introduced reforms like the Assize of Clarendon in 1166, which established a system of jury trials, and the Assize of Northampton in 1176, which further refined legal procedures.
- Conflict with Becket: Henry's relationship with Thomas Becket, whom he appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury, became notoriously contentious. Their feud over the rights of the Church versus the Crown culminated in Becket's murder in 1170, which led to Henry's public penance.
- Family: Henry married Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152, who was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Western Europe. They had eight children, including future kings Richard I and John.
- Legacy: Henry's reign is often noted for its administrative reforms, the establishment of common law, and the centralization of government. However, his later years were marked by family disputes and rebellion among his sons.
Death and Succession
- Henry died on July 6, 1189, at Chinon in Anjou. His death was possibly due to a combination of poor health and grief over the betrayal by his sons.
- He was succeeded by his son, Richard I.
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