Henry II

Description

"Henry II" by L. F. Salzmann is a historical biography written in the early 20th century. It traces the rise and reign of England’s Henry II, emphasizing his consolidation of power in Britain and France, legal and administrative reforms, and stormy conflicts with Wales, France, and the Church—especially Thomas Becket. Readers get a clear, campaign-by-campaign account of the Angevin empire’s making and the pressures that eventually strain Henry’s rule. The opening of the book recounts the succession crisis after the White Ship disaster, Empress Maud’s contested claim, and young Henry’s early fortunes, leading to his marriage with Eleanor of Aquitaine, the 1153 settlement with Stephen, and Henry’s accession in 1154. It then shows Henry restoring royal authority: expelling mercenaries, demolishing adulterine castles, reclaiming Crown lands, checking overmighty barons, and pressing Malcolm of Scotland to surrender northern counties. A lengthy section on Wales portrays hard fighting, tactical missteps, and bruising stalemates with Owain Gwynedd and Rhys ap Gruffudd. Abroad, Henry’s diplomacy and arms secure Nantes and the Vexin through marriages, while the grand but inconclusive Toulouse venture reveals his refusal to attack Louis VII directly; border war yields coups like Chaumont’s destruction and a face‑saving peace. Finally, the narrative turns to Becket: his elevation to Canterbury, sudden transformation from courtly chancellor to austere churchman, clashes over clerical immunity and royal revenues, the Westminster standoff, the Constitutions of Clarendon, Becket’s brief capitulation and renewed resistance, and the Northampton council where Henry presses financial claims—the point at which the excerpt breaks off. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Subjects

• Great Britain -- Kings and rulers -- Biography
• Great Britain -- History -- Henry II, 1154-1189
• Henry II, King of England, 1133-1189
• DA