Who was the first Plantagenet King of England?

The first Plantagenet King of England was Henry II, who ruled from 1154 to 1189. Henry II was the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty, which would go on to rule England for over three centuries. He was born in France to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I of England.

Henry II came to the throne after a period of civil war known as The Anarchy, which followed the death of King Stephen. He was a powerful and ambitious ruler, known for his legal reforms and his centralization of royal power. Henry II also expanded his territories through marriage and military conquest, gaining control of territories in France as well as England.

One of the most significant events of Henry II's reign was his conflict with Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket's murder in 1170 led to Henry II facing significant backlash and penance for his involvement in the crime.

Henry II was succeeded by his son, Richard the Lionheart, who is perhaps best known for his role in the Third Crusade. Richard was followed by his brother, John, whose reign was marked by conflict with the barons and the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

The Plantagenet dynasty would go on to produce some of England's most famous and infamous monarchs, including Edward I, Edward III, and Richard III. The dynasty came to an end in the 15th century with the Wars of the Roses, which saw the rise of the Tudor dynasty.

To learn more about the Plantagenet Kings of England and their impact on the country's history, visit History Extra. You can also explore the rich history of the Plantagenet dynasty at the National Archives.

Sign Up