Henry ii of england penance

Henry II 5 March — 6 July King of England — Henry II achieved some significant accomplishments in his time asking. He helped end the infighting which had plagued the country during the reign of Stephen and re-established the central control that his grandfather Henry I had established. He also laid a framework for common law and the right for citizens to be tried in courts — the forerunner of our modern criminal justice system.

It was an event that shocked Europe and was a definining part of his reign.

What was henry ii famous for

In he became the Duke of Normandy. In , he married Eleanor of Aquitaine who was the heir to lands in Aquitaine, France. Eleanor was recently divorced from King Louis VII of France, and this led to a long rivalry between the two men as they wrestled for control over parts of France. During his early life, England was riven with conflict.

Henry II went on to become a powerful regent, strengthening the power and prestige of the Crown. When he came to power, England was in ruins, with little control and local barons very powerful. Henry II was skilful in regaining administrative control and bringing together some of the best minds in managing the exchequer. Henry took a personal interest in the management of his country and the methods of governance were celebrated in a document Dialogus de scaccario.

A key figure in quelling the power of rebellious barons was Thomas a Becket. As soon as Henry met Becket, he felt a strong personal chemistry and admired his skills of diplomacy, charm and intelligence. Before coming to power, issues of crime and punishment were haphazard and left to local sheriffs.