succession is the process in which someone automatically inherits a position or property after someone else

to revolt is to rebel or take violent action against a ruler

to conspire is to secretly plot or plan together

a regent is a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent or too young, too ill

an heir is a person who expects to inherit the property or position of another when that person dies

Eleanor of Aquitaine and the end of Henry II's reign

History

Henry II and the Angevin Empire

Henry II's legal reforms

Henry II's church reforms

The murder of Thomas Becket

How successful was Henry II as king?

In this unit, pupils have studied a successful period of royal consolidation. In 'The Wars of the Roses: what does it tell us about fifteenth-century England?', pupils will consider how periods of royal consolidation were not always durable in medieval England and explain how royal power proved volatile in the 15th century, experiencing both stability and instability.

In 'The Norman Conquest: how do we know about the impact of the Conquest on England?', pupils explained some of the ways William I consolidated his power in England. In this unit, pupils will think about some similar methods employed by Henry II and use this to evaluate the extent of royal consolidation.

In this unit, pupils learn about England and the Angevin Empire under Henry II's rule. They then use their knowledge of Henry's rule to evaluate the degree to which he was a successful king.

England under Henry II: how successfully did Henry reassert royal authority?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Match Henry II's son with their correct inheritance.

What character trait did all of Henry II's sons inherit from their father? 

Who conspired in the revolt against Henry II, along with Eleanor of Aquitaine and her sons?

they continued to rebel against Henry II 

they decided to accept Henry II succession plans 

What did Richard and John do after the deaths of Henry the Young King and Geoffrey? 

she urged Richard to seek Henry II’s forgiveness

What role did Eleanor of Aquitaine play after her release from prison? 

How did Henry II react when he was forced to surrender to Richard from his deathbed? 

True or false? Henry had his son Henry the Young King crowned king of England early to secure a peaceful succession.

He excommunicated the bishops involved in Henry the Young King's coronation

What action did Thomas Becket take upon landing in Kent after his return to England?

True or false? Following the murder of Thomas Becket, the Pope excommunicated Becket.

Even powerful monarchs like Henry felt they needed to seek forgiveness 

It had no impact on the actions of kings and rulers

Religion was a personal matter for monarchs

What does Henry's public act of penance reveal about the power of the Church during the medieval period?

It made him more dependent on the English Church

It strengthened his position and authority

How did the Pope's support after 1172 affect Henry's position? 

to be expelled from the Catholic Church by the Pope

to punish yourself to seek God’s forgiveness for a sin

a large and impressive church; contains the seat of a bishop

Match the key words with the correct definitions.

Eleanor of Aquitaine and the end of Henry II's reign

Lesson outcome

Content guidance