King Henry II (5 March 1133 – 6 July 1189), also known as Henry Curtmantle, was the King of England, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou from 1154 until his death in 1189. The son of Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou, and the Empress Matilda, he was the first Plantagenet king of England.
Henry was born in Le Mans, France, in 1133. He was the eldest son of Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou, and the Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I of England. Henry‘s father died in 1151, and he inherited the County of Anjou. In 1152, he married Eleanor of Aquitaine, the former wife of King Louis VII of France. This marriage brought Henry control of the Duchy of Aquitaine, which made him one of the most powerful rulers in Europe.
In 1153, Henry invaded England and claimed the throne. He was supported by a number of English barons who were dissatisfied with the rule of King Stephen. Henry defeated Stephen at the Battle of Wallingford in 1153, and he was crowned King of England in 1154.
Henry‘s reign was marked by a number of important events. He reformed the English government and introduced a number of new laws. He also expanded the English empire, conquering Ireland and Wales. Henry was a strong and effective ruler, and he is considered one of the greatest English kings.
Henry died in 1189 at the age of 56. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Richard I.
Here are some of the key facts about Henry II:
- He was born in Le Mans, France, in 1133.
- He was the eldest son of Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou, and the Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I of England.
- He inherited the County of Anjou in 1151.
- In 1152, he married Eleanor of Aquitaine, the former wife of King Louis VII of France.
- This marriage brought Henry control of the Duchy of Aquitaine, which made him one of the most powerful rulers in Europe.
- In 1153, Henry invaded England and claimed the throne.
- He was supported by a number of English barons who were dissatisfied with the rule of King Stephen.
- Henry defeated Stephen at the Battle of Wallingford in 1153, and he was crowned King of England in 1154.
- Henry‘s reign was marked by a number of important events.
- He reformed the English government and introduced a number of new laws.
- He also expanded the English empire, conquering Ireland and Wales.
- Henry was a strong and effective ruler, and he is considered one of the greatest English kings.
- Henry died in 1189 at the age of 56. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Richard I.
