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Henry II became King in 1154. The country had suffered a civil war for
almost twenty years before, between Henry II's mother Matilda and the old
King Stephen. The country was in a terrible mess, villages had been
destroyed , crops burnt and many of the Barons would not obey the kings
laws.
Henry II is known as a strong king. He was a good soldier and leader. Henry
forced the barons to obey him by using his army. For example William Le Gros
the Duke of York refused to obey Henry , Henry took his army to meet William
on the battle field and it was not long before William gave in.
Once in control, Henry II made sure he knew what was going on in the country
he ruled; he travelled about the country visiting the barons . He changed
the system of justice to make sure people who were accused of a crime were
given a fair trial. During the reign of King Stephen many innocent people
had been made to pay fines so that the barons could have the money.
Back to list of kings
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 |
