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kings
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Henry II, first of the Angevin kings, was one of the most effective of
all England's monarchs. He came to the throne amid the anarchy of Stephen's
reign and promptly collared his errant barons. He refined Norman government
and created a capable, self-standing bureaucracy. His energy was equaled
only by his ambition and intelligence. Henry survived wars, rebellion, and
controversy to successfully rule one of the Middle Ages' most powerful
kingdoms.
Henry was raised in the French province of Anjou and first visited England
in 1142 to defend his mother's claim to the disputed throne of Stephen. His
continental possessions were already vast before his coronation: He acquired
Normandy and Anjou upon the death of his father in September 1151, and his
French holdings more than doubled with his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitane
(ex-wife of King Louis VII of France). In accordance with the Treaty of
Wallingford, a succession agreement signed by Stephen and Matilda in 1153,
Henry was crowned in October 1154.
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Kings Alfred The Great, King of Wessex athelstan King of the English Athelred II The Unready, King of the English canute King of England eadred King of the English eadwig King of the English Edgar I, King of the English Edmund I, King of the English Edmund II Ironside, King of the English Edward The Martyr, King of the English
King Arthur King Edward the Confessor King Harold of Wessex King William I King William Rufus
King Henry I King Stephen King Henry II King Richard I King John King Henry III King Edward I King Edward II
King Edward III |
