The Plantagenets: From Henry II to Richard II
A brief overview of the Kings
Spanning more than three centuries, from 1154 to 1485, the reign of the Plantagenets was marked by a combination of extraordinary ambition, internal conflict, military prowess, and turbulent relations with nobility and the church. The Plantagenet Kings laid the foundations of English common law, fought in the Crusades, clashed with France in the Hundred Years’ War, and presided over the War of the Roses, a civil war that would ultimately lead to their downfall.
The Plantagenet dynasty’s origins lie in France, with the Counts of Anjou. The name Plantagenet is derived from a plant — the genista — worn as a badge of Geoffrey of Anjou, the father of the dynasty’s founder.
Henry II (1154-1189)
Founder of the Dynasty and the Angevin Empire
Henry II was the grandson of Henry I and the son of Geoffrey of Anjou. After years of civil war in England, known as “The Anarchy,” Henry ascended the throne, founding the Plantagenet dynasty. At its height, Henry’s territories spanned from England to western France, including Normandy, Anjou, and Aquitaine (the latter through his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine). He controlled even more land in France than the French King.
Henry II revolutionised English governance by establishing a more structured legal system, laying a groundwork for English common law. Despite his success as a ruler, Henry faced constant rebellion from his sons—Henry the Young King, Richard, Geoffrey, and John— who were eager for more power.
His reign was marred by a bitter feud with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, which ended in 1170 when Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by Henry’s knights. This event strained Henry’s relations with the Church.
Richard I (1189-1199)
The Crusader King
Known as Richard “the Lionheart” for his bravery, Henry II’s third son succeeded him, becoming one of the most iconic kings in English history. Richard spent most of his reign abroad, participating in the Third Crusade (1189-1192). His military leadership during the Crusades, especially against Saladin, became legendary. Richard’s frequent absences from England left the country under the control of regents, leading to political instability.
Having spent only seven months of his 10-year reign in England, most of his time was dedicated to either fighting on Crusades in the Middle East or defending his territory in France. In 1192, Richard was held as a prisoner in Austria on his return from the Crusades. The immense cost of his ransom strained the English treasury.
Richard died in 1199 from an injury sustained during a siege in France. He left no legitimate heirs, and his younger brother John succeeded him.
John (1199-1216)
The Unpopular King and the Magna Carta
John’s reign was a dramatic fall from glory of his predecessors. He is often remembered as one of England’s worst Kings, having lost Normandy and much of his family’s holdings in France to the French King Philip II, earning himself the nickname “John Lackland.”
Heavy taxation and failed military campaigns caused increasing unrest among the English barons. Their discontent culminated in 1215 when they forced John to sign the Magna Carta, a charter of liberties that limited royal power and guaranteed rights to the barons. Towards the end of his reign, John faced a rebellion by the barons, who invited the French prince to take the English throne.
His conflict with Pope Innocent III over the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury led to his excommunication, further weakening his authority. John died in 1216, leaving his young son Henry III as his successor.
Henry III (1216-1272)
A Long but Troubled Reign
Henry III ascended the throne as a child, with the country in the midst of civil war. Although he reigned for over 50 years, his reign was characterised by political instability and baronial unrest. As Henry grew older, his attempts to increase royal authority and his financial mismanagement angered the barons. In 1264, he was defeated and imprisoned in a rebellion led by his brother-in-law Simon de Montfort, who briefly seized control during the Second Barons’ War.
Simon de Montfort called the first English parliament that included commoners, setting a precedent for future parliamentary government. Henry resumed power following de Montfort’s defeat and death in 1265. The word parliament comes from the French word parler, meaning “to talk”.
Henry’s son, Edward, eventually defeated the baronial forces and restored royal authority.
Edward I (1272-1307)
The Warrior King and Lawgiver
Edward I, also known as “the Hammer of the Scots” or “Longshanks,” was a formidable king who sought to expand and console English power. His military campaigns resulted in the conquest of Wales. He built a series of castles to secure English control over the region. When his wife Queen Eleanor of Castile died, stone crosses were displayed along the funeral route— in fact, Charing Cross in London gets its name from Chère Reine Croix, meaning “the cross of the dear queen”.
Edward attempted to bring Scotland under English control, leading to prolonged conflict. His wars against the Scots, particularly his battles against William Wallace, became legendary.
He continued his grandfather’s legacy of. legal reforms, creating a more centralised system of justice. In 1925, Edward summoned what became known as the “Model Parliament,” which included representatives from the commons as well as the lords, further developing the role of Parliament in governance.
Edward II (1307-1327)
The Ineffective King and His Downfall
Edward II is often remembered as a weak and ineffective king, whose personal relationships and favouritism alienated the nobility. Edward’s close relationship with his favourites, particularly Piers Galveston and later Hugh Despenser, angered the English barons. This led to political unrest and armed rebellions.
Edward suffered a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Bannockburn against the Scots, led by Robert the Bruce, which secured Scotland’s independence. His misrule and military failures culminated in his deposition in 1327. His wife, Isabelle of France, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, led a rebellion against him, and Edward was forced to abdicate in favour of his young son, Edward III. Edward II was later murdered while in captivity.
Edward III (1327-1377)
The Hundred Years’ War
Edward III restored the prestige of the monarchy after the disastrous reign of his father and ushered in a period of military success and economic growth. Edward III laid claim to the French throne through his mother, Isabella, sparking the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). Edward’s mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer, ruled as regents of England until Edward became King, then he had Mortimer executed and imprisoned Isabelle in a castle.
The early years of the Hundred Years’ War were marked by significant English victories, including the battles of Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), largely due to the use of the longbow. Edward’s need for funds to support his wars led to increased taxation. His reign coincided with the outbreak of the Black Death in 1348, which killed a large portion of the population and had lasting social and economic effects.
His son, the “Black Prince,” predeceased him, leaving his grandson, Richard II, as his successor.
Richard II (1377-1399)
The fall of the Plantagenets
Richard II, the son of Edward the “Black Prince”, ascended the throne as a child, and his reign was marked by political instability and eventual downfall. Early in Richard’s reign, England experienced widespread social unrest, culminating in the Peasants’ Revolt. He initially quelled the rebellion but failed to address the underlying issues of discontent.
As Richard matured, he adopted a more autocratic rule, sidelining Parliament and alienating the inability. His rule became increasingly unpopular, especially after he exiled or executed several leading nobles.
In 1399, Richard’s cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, returned from exile and raised an army to dispose Richard. Richard was captured and forced to abdicate. Henry took the throne as Henry IV, beginning the Lancastrian branch of the Plantagenet dynasty. Richard was later imprisoned and likely murdered.
I listened to the podcast “This is History: A Dynasty to Die For” but I only made it through the first season. It is so interesting but everyone having the same name makes it so confusing.