Reign of King Henry II

Historical Context Note

Litencyc Editors (Independent Scholar - Europe)
Download PDF Add to Bookshelf Report an Error

Resources

Henry II was the eldest son of Geoffrey of Anjou and Matilda, who had largely successfully fought Stephen of Blois for the throne of England after her father Henry I's death. After a protracted war, Stephen had recognised Henry I as his adopted son and heir before his death in 1154. He had already married Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152, and between them they ruled a sizeable "Angevin Empire" stretching right down the eastern seaboard of France. Henry was from the outset a determined and pro-active ruler, extending English control in Wales, and trying to expand his territories in France. He had a famously tumultous relationship with his wife and sons: he was estranged from Eleanor of Aquitaine from the late 1160s, and after her son Henry revolted against his father in 1173, apparently with…

289 words

Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Reign of King Henry II". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 31 July 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=633, accessed 28 March 2024.]

633 Reign of King Henry II 2 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

If you need to create a new bookshelf to save this article in, please make sure that you are logged in, then go to your 'Account' here

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.