Henry II of England, who ascended to the throne on December 19, 1154, is often remembered as one of the most significant and transformative monarchs in English history. His reign marked the beginning of the Angevin Empire and set the stage for major legal and administrative reforms. This blog post explores the circumstances of Henry II's rise to power, his early reign, and the lasting impact of his rule.

Background and Ascendancy

Henry II was born on March 5, 1133, in Le Mans, France, to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I of England. His ascent to the throne was fraught with conflict. After the death of his grandfather, Henry I, in 1135, England plunged into a period of civil war and instability known as The Anarchy, characterized by a bitter struggle for the crown between Matilda and her cousin, Stephen of Blois.

Henry's path to kingship was paved through strategic alliances and military prowess. By 1153, the political situation favoured Henry, and a peace agreement was brokered through the Treaty of Wallingford, stipulating that Stephen would remain king for life but that Henry would inherit the throne upon Stephen's death. Stephen's death in October 1154 paved the way for Henry’s unchallenged succession.

Early Reign and Consolidation of Power

Henry II was crowned king at Westminster Abbey on December 19, 1154. From the outset, he demonstrated a robust determination to restore order and consolidate his dominions. His vast empire included not only England but also large territories in France, including Normandy, Anjou, Maine, and Aquitaine (through his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine).

One of Henry's first actions as king was to curtail the power of the barons, who had gained considerable autonomy during The Anarchy. He reclaimed royal castles, reasserted control over the royal forests, and re-established a strong centralized administration.

Legal and Administrative Reforms

Henry II is perhaps best known for his extensive legal reforms, which laid the foundations for the English common law system. His reign saw the development of the jury system, the establishment of royal courts, and the introduction of standardized procedures for legal disputes. Key reforms included the Assize of Clarendon (1166) and the Assize of Northampton (1176), which sought to streamline legal processes and curtail the power of feudal courts.

Henry also established the Court of Exchequer to improve financial administration and introduced the "scutage" system, allowing barons to pay a fee instead of providing military service.

Conflict and Legacy

Henry's reign was not without turmoil. His attempt to assert control over the church led to a bitter conflict with Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, culminating in Becket's murder in 1170. This event caused a significant backlash and forced Henry to make concessions to the church.

Despite these challenges, Henry II's reign left an indelible mark on England. His legal and administrative reforms had a lasting impact, and his efforts to consolidate his empire laid the groundwork for future monarchs. Henry's legacy also includes the cultural and architectural advancements of the period, such as the construction of imposing castles and the promotion of arts and education.

The ascension of Henry II to the throne marked the beginning of a dynamic and transformative era in English history. His ability to restore order after The Anarchy, coupled with his profound legal and administrative reforms, established a legacy that would influence the English monarchy and legal system for centuries. As we reflect on Henry II's reign, we recognize the complexities and achievements that defined his rule and shaped the medieval landscape.