The First Plantagenet Monarch of England

Henry II was the first Plantagenet monarch of England, reigning from 1154 to 1189. He came to power after the tumultuous reign of King Stephen, who had plunged England into a period of civil war known as The Anarchy. Henry II was the son of Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I, and Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou.

Henry II was a formidable ruler who sought to consolidate and expand his power throughout England and his vast continental territories. He was known for his administrative reforms, which laid the foundation for the English legal system. One of his most enduring legacies was the creation of the common law and the establishment of the royal courts.

During his reign, Henry II also clashed with the powerful Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, over the issue of ecclesiastical authority. This ultimately led to Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 and Henry II's penance at the shrine of the martyred saint.

Henry II's reign was marked by conflict with his rebellious sons, who sought to challenge his authority and claim their own territories. This internal strife would continue long after Henry II's death, leading to the outbreak of the civil war known as The Anarchy.

Overall, Henry II's reign was a transformative period in English history, laying the groundwork for the rise of the Plantagenet dynasty and the consolidation of royal power in England. His legacy continues to be felt to this day, with the common law and the royal courts still forming the basis of the English legal system.

If you would like to learn more about Henry II and the Plantagenet monarchs of England, click here for further information.

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