King Henry II Flashcards

Flashcards about King Henry and his reign prepared from lecture notes.

What were King Henry's plans for succession and who did he marry his daughter to?

King Henry wanted Matilda to rule after him and married her to Geoffrey of Anjou.

Who seized the throne after King Henry's death?

Stephen, Henry's nephew and grandson of William the Conqueror, seized the throne.

What was the consequence of Stephen seizing the throne?

A series of battles between Matilda and Stephen lasted for 19 years.

What was the resolution to the conflict between Matilda and Stephen?

Matilda's son, Henry, would become England's next king after Stephen's death, according to an agreement reached in 1153.

Besides England, what other lands did Henry II control?

Inherited Normandy from his mother, Matilda, and other land in France from his father, Geoffrey of Anjou.

What titles did Henry II hold?

King of England, Duke of Normandy, Count of Anjou, and Count of Maine.

How did Henry II gain control of Aquitaine?

Marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine.

What was Henry II's position in Europe?

Henry II was arguably one of the most powerful rulers in Europe, with land stretching from the Scottish borders to the south of France.

Who led the English knights and barons to Ireland?

The Earl of Pembroke, nicknamed 'Strongbow', led an army to Ireland.

What opportunity did the English knights and barons take in Ireland?

English knights and barons seized land for themselves after Dermot died in 1171.

When did Henry II visit Ireland and what title was he granted?

Henry II visited Ireland in 1171 and was recognised as the 'overlord'.

What was the historical significance of Henry II's recognition as overlord in Ireland?

A 'deal' where Henry II was recognised overlord of Ireland became the basis of English sovereignty over the Irish up to the 1940s.

What actions did Henry take to strengthen English control in Ireland?

Henry strengthened fortifications and built new castles, as well as got investors to develop Dublin as a center of trade and commerce.

How was France structured at this time?

France was divided into areas ruled by powerful lords and dukes.

Name some areas in France that were ruled by powerful lords and dukes.

Anjou, Aquitaine, Normandy and Brittany.

What territories in France did Henry II control compared to King Louis VII?

Henry II ruled over half of the areas in France but not France itself, which was ruled by King Louis VII.

How often did Henry II travel between England and France?

Henry II crossed the English Channel up to 30 times in his 35-year reign.

What conflicts occurred between Henry II and Louis VII?

There was a war in Normandy in 1167, and Louis joined in when Henry's own sons rebelled against him in 1173.