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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe Henry II’s control over the Angevin Empire after the Anarchy.

      Key learning points

      1. Henry II attempted to restore his royal lands after the Anarchy
      2. Henry ruled over an area of Western Europe known as the Angevin Empire
      3. The Angevin Empire was a collection of separate lands, each with their own local traditions and leadership
      4. Henry II oversaw an invasion of Ireland in 1169, with the support of the Pope
      5. Kings of England subsequently claimed to be rightful rulers of Ireland

      Keywords

      • Anarchy - when there is no government in society this is known as anarchy; it means political or social disorder

      • Centralise - to centralise is when separate parts are brought together so that they are organised or controlled from one place

      • Empire - a group of countries or provinces ruled from the centre by one person or a group of people is known as an empire

      • Duchy - the area of land controlled by a duke or duchess is known as a duchy

      • Allegiance - when somebody is loyal to a lord or monarch, this is allegiance

      Common misconception

      That France existed as a unified nation.

      "Modern-day France" did not exist yet, instead the area we know as France, was actually a collection of separate lands/duchies .

      Teacher tip

      Use medieval manuscripts to develop pupils’ sense of period. An illustration which shows the act of swearing allegiance, demonstrates the obligations around medieval kingship. Henry II needed to secure allegiance across the Angevin Empire.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Put these people in the order of how powerful they were in Medieval England, starting with the most powerful.

      1 - king
      2 - knight
      3 - peasant

      Q2.
      William the Conqueror was duke of which duchy?

      Anjou
      Correct answer: Normandy
      Wessex

      Q3.
      Match the words with the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:invasion,to enter a country by force with large numbers of soldiers

      to enter a country by force with large numbers of soldiers

      Correct Answer:succession,a process in which someone automatically inherits the throne

      a process in which someone automatically inherits the throne

      Correct Answer:empire ,when one person or group rules over many countries

      when one person or group rules over many countries

      Q4.
      What percentage of the land did the Church own in medieval England?

      0%
      15%
      Correct answer: 25%

      Q5.
      Which 1066 battle was fought between the Normans and Anglo-Saxons?

      Correct answer: Battle of Hastings
      Battle of Hertford
      Battle of Stamford Bridge

      Q6.
      What is the definition of a 'claim'?

      Correct answer: to make a demand, to set out your rights to something
      to make a submission, to deny your rights to something

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What term was given to the civil war that took place prior to Henry II becoming king?

      Correct answer: The Anarchy
      The Apathy
      The Autarchy

      Q2.
      What was Henry II's empire known as?

      Austrian Empire
      Angel Empire
      Correct answer: Angevin Empire

      Q3.
      Why was Henry II's empire difficult to rule?

      The empire was divided into duchies, each of which had their own flag.
      The empire was divided into duchies, each of which had their own food.
      Correct answer: The empire was divided into duchies, and each had their own duke or duchess.

      Q4.
      Which of the following best explains Henry II's involvement in Ireland?

      What started as Henry II's invasion, ended with Irish independence.
      What started as Henry II's invasion, ended with an Irish invasion of England.
      Correct answer: What started as an Irish rebellion, ended with Henry II's invasion.

      Q5.
      What word best describes being loyal to a lord or monarch?

      Correct answer: allegiance
      arrogance
      appeasement

      Q6.
      What is the name of the territory controlled by a duke or duchess?

      dukeshire
      Correct answer: duchy
      duchland

      To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: Henry II and the Angevin Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...