Highlights: Angevins, Henry II - Week 7

Notes:

Background and Ascension

- Period of Anarchy: Matilda, the daughter of Henry I, consistently maintained her claim to the English throne.

- Henry II's Claim: As Matilda’s son, Henry II (Henry Plantagenet) inherited her claim. He was also known as an Angevin king due to his father's heritage from Geoffrey of Anjou.

- Duke of Normandy: Henry was crowned Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou, establishing his territorial power while Matilda was still alive.

- Marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine: Henry married Eleanor, a politically savvy woman, to bolster his claims through her substantial land and resources. This marriage was her second after a divorce from the King of France due to a lack of male heirs.

Invasion and Claim to the Throne

- Invasion of England (1153): With Eleanor's support, Henry invaded England, leading to recognition as Stephen's heir.

- Stephen's Death (1154): Henry II became king shortly after Stephen’s death, ending a tumultuous period.

The Castlebreaker

- Castle-Breaker Reputation: As king, Henry worked to dismantle illegal castles built by barons to restore order and limit their power.

- Understanding of English Law: Despite being a foreigner, he sought assistance from local officials to navigate the English legal system.

- Legal Reforms:

- Focused on law and order after previous laxity.

- Issued laws that culminated in the Assizes of Clarendon (1166), which are considered foundational to the jury system and local judicial power.

Conflict with Thomas Becket

- Reform and Tension: Henry’s attempts to reform the Church led to conflicts with Thomas Becket, a well-educated and politically influential former ally who had become Archbishop of Canterbury.

- Clash Over Church Authority: The conflict centered around:

- Taxing the clergy.

- The power of the Church to excommunicate royal officials without the king's consent.

- Trials for clergy; traditionally tried in local courts but now in ecclesiastical ones, resulting in less severe penalties from Henry’s perspective.

The Constitutions of Clarendon (1164)

- Aimed to solidify local justice within the king’s court:

- No excommunication of the king’s men without his permission.

- Becket’s Opposition: Although Becket initially agreed to these constitutions, he later denounced them, leading to his temporary flight to France after being declared an outlaw.

Becket’s Exile and Conflict Resolution

- Six Years in Exile: During his time in France, Becket received protection from King Louis VII, who opposed Henry II.

- Failed Reconciliation: Multiple attempts to resolve the issues were met with continued tensions, culminating in Becket excommunicating archbishops sympathetic to Henry.

Becket’s Assassination

- Final Description of Conflict: Henry expressed frustration over Becket's obstinance, leading four knights to murder him in 1170 at Canterbury Cathedral.

- Consequences for Henry: Following Becket's death, the Pope demanded Henry undertake a pilgrimage as penance, which he did not fulfill, though he eventually softened his stance towards church authority.