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You are here :  People » Rulers of England » Henry (II, King of England 1154-1189)
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 Born  5 Mar 1133   Born At  
 Died  6 Jul 1189   Buried At  Fontevrault Abbey
 Royal House  Plantagenet
 
Titles Include: King of England from 1154 to 1189; Duke of Normandy from 1150; Duke of Aquitaine from 1152

Duke of Normandy

enry was born on the 5th of March 1133 at Le Mans. He was the son of Matilda (daughter of Henry I), and of Geoffrey Plantagenet, the Count of Anjou. Geoffrey was given the nickname 'Plantagenet' due to his habit of wearing a sprig of broom in his hat. The broom plant being called planta genista in France. The counts of Anjou were known as the Angevins and Henry was to become the first Angevin king. Henry first became the Duke of Normandy in 1151 and when his father died in the following year he inherited the Angevin empire. In 1152 Henry married Eleanor of Aquitaine and through this marriage added the territories of Aquitaine to his already large empire.

Claim to the English throne

Matilda, Henry's mother, was heir to the English throne as she was the eldest daughter of Henry I, King of England. But Matilda's cousin Stephen had claimed the throne with some backing from the English Barons who were opposed to a female ruler. Matilda's attempts to reclaim the throne led to a damaging civil war in England but Matilda and Henry were victorious and in 1153 Stephen was forced to recognise Henry as heir to the throne. On Stephen's death in 1154 Henry became King of England as Henry II. Henry's empire now stretched from Scotland all the way down through England, Normandy, Anjou to Aquitaine, the heart of which was at Anjou, not England.

Henry's early years as king found him controlling the rebellious Barons who had used the chaos of the civil war to fortify their homes and illegally control their territories. The castles they built are now known as the 'adulterine castles'. In Scotland and Wales Henry stamped his authority and began the process of subduing Ireland. Henry was also responsible for bringing in new legal reforms including in 1166 the Assize of Clarendon which started the jury system.

Henry is most famous for his quarrels with his friend Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1164 Henry's Constitutions of Clarendon tried to bring the church into line with the state and one statement required that a member of the church should be tried in a state court and not in a church one. The rift between Henry and Becket forced the Archbishop to leave England. When in 1170 Becket returned to England an outburst of anger by Henry led to four knights murdering Becket at Canterbury. Although Henry was cleared of any direct involvement in the crime he did penance before the Cathedral Avrances in Normandy.

Henry and his sons also quarrelled which led to conflicts in England and abroad, including a rebellion by his Barons in 1173. Two of his sons were to become kings of England, Richard (the Lion Heart) and John.

Conflicts with Eleanor and his sons, helped by Philippe II of France continued until Henry died in 1189 at Chinon in France. Henry was succeeded by Richard, his third son.

This simplified family tree shows some of the more important descendents of Henry II

                            
 
 
 
Henry (II, King of England 1154-1189)
b.1133
d.1189		   Eleanor (of Aquitaine)
b.1122
d.1204		 
  
  
 
             
 
Richard (I, King of England 1189-1199)
b.1157
d.1199		 JOHN (King of England 1199-1216)
b.1167
d.1216		   Isabella (of Angouleme) 
   
   
 
   
 
 HENRY (III, King of England 1216-1272)
b.1207
d.1272		   Eleanor (of Provence) 
   
   
 
   
 
 EDWARD (I, King of England 1272-1307)
b.1239
d.1307		 
  
  
 
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Preceded by
Stephen (of Blois, king of England 1135-1154) 		Succeeded by
Richard (I, King of England 1189-1199)

Family Tree Details
Father:  Geoffrey (Plantagenet, 'The Fair', Count of Anjou) ( - d.1151)
Mother:  Matilda (Daughter of Henry I) (b.1102 - d.1167) 
Henry (II, King of England 1154-1189) (b.1133 - d.1189)
         +Eleanor (of Aquitaine) (b.1122 - d.1204)
         |        =William (b.1153 - d.1156)
         |        =Henry ('the Young King') (b.1155 - d.1183)
         |        |        +Margaret (Young Queen of England) (b.1158 - d.1197)
         |        =Matilda (b.1156 - d.1189)
         |        |        +Henry (Duke of Saxony)
         |        |                 =Otto (IV, Roman Emperor) (b.1182 - d.1218)
         |        =Richard (I, King of England 1189-1199) (b.1157 - d.1199)
         |        |        +Berengaria (of Navarre, Queen of England)
         |        =Geoffrey (b.1158 - d.1186)
         |        |        +Constance (of Brittany)
         |        |                 =Arthur (of Brittany) (b.1187 - d.1204)
         |        |                 =Eleanor (Grand-daughter of Henry II) ( - d.1241)
         |        =Eleanor (of England) (b.1162 - d.1214)
         |        |        +Alfonso (King of Castile)
         |        |                 =Blanche (of Castile) (b.1188 - d.1252)
         |        |                          +Louis (VIII, The Lion, King of France 1223-1226)
         |        |                                   =LOUIS (IX, King of France, St. Louis) ( - d.1270)
         |        |                                            +Margaret (of Provence)
         |        |                                                     =Philippe (III, King of France 1270-1285) ( - d.1285)
         |        =Joan (of England, Queen of Sicily) (b.1165 - d.1199)
         |        |        +William (II, King of Sicily)
         |        |        +Raymond (VI, Count of Toulouse)
         |        |                 =Raymond (VII, Count of Toulouse)
         |        =JOHN (King of England 1199-1216) (b.1167 - d.1216)
         |                 +Isabella of Gloucester ( - d.1217)
         |                 +Isabella (of Angouleme)
         |                          =HENRY (III, King of England 1216-1272) (b.1207 - d.1272)
         |                          |        +Eleanor (of Provence)
         |                          |                 =EDWARD (I, King of England 1272-1307) (b.1239 - d.1307)
         |                          |                 |        +Eleanor (of Castile) (b.1241 - d.1290)
         |                          |                 |        |        =Katherine (Daughter of Edward I) (b.1264 - )
         |                          |                 |        |        =John (Son of Edward I) (b.1266 - d.1271)
         |                          |                 |        |        =Henry (Son of Edward I) (b.1268 - d.1274)
         |                          |                 |        |        =Eleanor (Daughter of Edward I) (b.1269 - d.1298)
         |                          |                 |        |        =Joan (daughter of Edward I) (b.1271 - )
         |                          |                 |        |        =Alfonso (Son of Edward I) (b.1275 - )
         |                          |                 |        |        =Margaret (b.1275 - d.1318)
         |                          |                 |        |        =Mary (Daughter of Edward I) (b.1279 - )
         |                          |                 |        |        =Elizabeth (b.1282 - d.1316)
         |                          |                 |        |        =EDWARD (II, King of England 1307-1327) (b.1284 - d.1327)
         |                          |                 |        +Margaret (of France) ( - d.1317)
         |                          |                 |                 =Thomas (Earl of Norfolk) ( - d.1338)
         |                          |                 |                 =Edmund (Earl of Kent) ( - d.1330)
         |                          |                 =Edmund (Earl of Lancaster) ( - d.1296)
         |                          |                 |        +Fortibus, Aveline de
         |                          |                 |        +Blanche (of Artois)
         |                          |                 |                 =Thomas (Earl of Lancaster) ( - d.1322)
         |                          |                 =Margaret ( - d.1275)
         |                          |                 |        +Alexander (III, King of Scotland 1249-1286) ( - d.1286)
         |                          |                 |                 =Alexander (son of Alexander III) ( - d.1284)
         |                          |                 |                 =David (son of Alexander III) ( - d.1281)
         |                          |                 |                 =Margaret (daughter of Alexander III)
         |                          |                 =Beatrice ( - d.1275)
         |                          =Richard (Earl of Cornwall) (b.1209 - d.1272)
         |                          =Joan (Daughter of King John) (b.1210 - d.1238)
         |                          |        +Alexander (II, King of Scotland 1198-1249) (b.1198 - d.1249)
         |                          =Isabelle (b.1214 - d.1241)
         |                          =Eleanor (Daughter of King John) (b.1215 - d.1275)
         |                                   +Marshal, William (the younger)
         |                                   +Montfort, Simon de ( - d.1265)
         |                                            =Montfort, Henry de ( - d.1265)
         +Illegitimate
                  =Plantagenet, Geoffrey (Archbishop of York)
                  =Longsword, William
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Mini Timeline

1126    Henry of Blois at Glastonbury
   Henry I brought his nephew, Henry of Blois, from Normandy to take the position of abbot at Glastonbury Abbey.1 
1133  Mar 25  Future king Henry II is born
   Henry II was born on the first day of the traditional new year at Le Mans.2 
1140    Woodstock held by Matilda
   The Palace of Woodstock was held by Matilda's supporters during the conflict with Stephen. Henry (II) spent much of his time there.3 
1142    Henry (II) spends a year in England
   Henry spent a year in England at Bristol being taught by Master Matthew. He came across the channel with Earl Robert of Gloucester.2 
1147    Henry arrives in England
   Henry landed in England with a small army intent on attacking Stephen. Unfortunately, Henry's army of mercenaries was small and they were not being paid enough. Stephen gave Henry money to pay the mercenaries and for Henry to return to Normandy. Henry left England. 
1149  May 22  Henry (II) knighted by David
   Henry the future king of England (Henry II) was knighted at Carlisle by David, King of the Scots.2 
1150    Henry becomes Duke of Normandy
   Henry returned to Normandy from Scotland and he was given the title of Duke of Normandy by his father. 
1151    War in Normandy
   Louis VII, the king of France, was not happy with Henry's new position as Duke of Normandy. Louis declared war on Henry. The dispute was sent to arbitration in Paris (who by - probably Knights Templar) and was resolved by Henry doing homage to Louis for Normandy and giving France the area of Vexin. 
1152    Henry captures Malmesbury
   Prince Henry captured the town of Malmesbury and its castle.3 
  Apr 6  Theobald refuses to crown Eustace
   King Stephen had several lords swear to have Eustace, his son, as the next king of England. Theobald the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had to accept as well, refused to crown Eustace favouring Henry II's claim to the throne instead. 
  May  Henry marries Eleanor
   Only two months after Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriage to Louis VII, king of France was annulled, she married Henry of Anjou - future king of England - Henry II.2 
  Qtr 3  Henry defends his position
   After marrying Eleanor Henry came under attack by Louis, Eleanor's previous husband, who did not recognise Henry as the new Duke of Aquitaine. Stephen sent troops and his son Eustace to help Louis against Henry. Henry's younger brother, Geoffrey, was also not happy with the situation and joined the quarrels. Henry moved quickly attacking Louis and capturing Geoffrey to secure his position as Duke. 
1153    Reading Castle destroyed
   Reading Castle destroyed by Henry II.4 
    Nottingham Castle attacked
   Henry attacked Nottingham where a fire resulted in damage to the town.4 
  Jan  Henry invades England
   Henry and a fleet of 30 to 40 ships landed on the south coast of England. Henry chose to attack Malmesbury, one of Stephen's out posts. The Winter weather took its toll on Stephen's troops and a truce was agreed. In the Midlands, the Earl of Leicester took Henry's side and this gave Henry control of large number of castles in the area.  
  Aug 17  Stephen's son Eustace dies
   Eustace wanted to continue the fight against Henry and had started attacking areas around Cambridge and East Anglia. He ransacked the Abbey at Bury St. Edmunds but died very shortly afterwards from a sudden illness.  
  Nov 6  Treaty of Wallingford
   Henry had besieged a fort that Stephen had built at Crowmarsh on the banks of the Thames opposite Wallingford Castle. An agreement of succession of Henry II after Stephen was concluded and witnessed by the English Knights Templars. King Stephen accepted Henry of Normandy, Anjou and Aquitaine as heir to the throne and in turn Henry recognised Stephen as king. Stephen made his barons do homage to Henry (Jan.1154).5 
1154    Berkeley Castle changes hands
   Henry II granted the castle at Berkeley to Robert Fitz Harding, a wealthy merchant who had helped Henry with financial aid during the conflict with Stephen. 
  Jan  Meeting at Oxford
   At a meeting at Oxford the barons accepted Henry as the rightful heir to the English throne and paid homage to him. Henry was displeased because in the terms of the treaty of Wallingford many of the castles that had been built during the civil war were supposed to have been destroyed but were still standing.6 
  Spring  Henry returns to Normandy
   A triumphant Henry returned to Rouen in Normandy to a warm reception from his family including Eleanor and his eight month old son William.7 
  Oct 25  Stephen dies
   Stephen had agreed that Henry should become King on his death. Henry was in Normandy at the time. 
  Dec  Henry II succeeds Stephen
   Under Henry II, the Grand Master of Knights Templars superintended the Masons. 1155 - Built their Temple in Fleet Street.8 
  Dec 8  Henry lands in England
   Although the English Channel was stormy, Henry needed to get to England as it had been without a King since the end of October. His ship landed somewhere near Southampton and he went straight to Winchester where he received the Royal treasures and the homage of the English barons.7 
  Dec 19  Henry crowned at Westminster Abbey
   Henry of Normandy crowned Henry II of England, and Eleanor of Aquitaine crowned Queen, at Westminster.
9 
1155    Plan for the conquest of Ireland approved
   A plan to conquer Ireland was approved by Pope Adrian IV in a Papal Bull (a formal proclamation issued by the Pope) called Laudabiliter. 
    Henry takes Scarborough Castle and Bridgnorth
   As part of his attempt to subdue the Barons who had become too powerful during the civil war, Henry took the castle at Scarborough from William of Aumale and Bridgnorth from Hugh Mortimer.10 
    Bridgnorth castle surrendered to Henry
   Henry II captures the castle at Bridgnorth.11 
1156    Henry captures Anjou
   Anjou was captured by Henry II in this year. It was regained by the French in 1205 from king John. 
1157    Malcolm IV surrenders land to Henry
   The areas of Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland are surrendered by Malcolm IV, King of Scotland to Henry. The lands had been acquired by David I.10 
    Basingwerk Castle is built
   Henry II builds a castle at Basingwerk.11 
    Devizes Castle passed to the Crown
   The castle at Devizes passed into King Henry II's control.11 
    Construction of Harbottle Castle
   Henry II ordered a new castle to be built in Northumberland.12 
1157 - 1161 Wark Castle refortified
  The castle at Wark-on-Tweed was refortified. Henry II ordered a new stone castle be built on the site of the older wooden fort.12 
1158  Spring  Henry visits Wulfstan's Shrine
   At Easter Henry II and his wife Eleanor visited Worcester Cathedral and placed their crowns on the shrine of Wulfstan, vowing not to wear them again.2 
1159  Summer  Henry II moves on Toulouse
   Henry claimed the area around Toulouse in the name of his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, He invaded the region and advanced on the city of Toulouse. Louis VII of France was unhappy with Henry's increasing power and took an army to Toulouse to prevent the English king entering the city. Henry was Louis' vassal and backed down from a confrontation. 13 
1162    Eleanor gives birth in Rouen
   Eleanor of Aquitaine gave birth to a daughter at Rouen. The girl was named Eleanor after he mother.6 
1163    Trial by combat
   Henry II judged a trial by combat between Robert de Montfort and Henry of Essex. Henry of Essex was accused of cowardice being the flag bearer of the Henry II who had dropped the flag and fled a battle, he said, when he heard incorrectly that the king had been killed. Montfort won the combat when it appeared that Essex had been killed. When the monks from Reading Abbey took the body for burial they found that he was still alive and nursed him back to health. Essex became a monk at Reading Abbey.14 
  Jan  Henry II returns to England
   Henry returned from Normandy to England coming ashore at Southampton where he was met by Thomas Becket. 6 
  Jul  Council at Woodstock
   The council held at the Royal Palace of Woodstock near Oxford was the scene for a clash between Henry II and Thomas Becket over the control of payments to Sheriffs. Becket opposed the plan and was going to oppose more of Henry's reforms in the near future.7 
  Oct  Henry II puts plans of reform to Council of Westminster
   Henry II put his plans before the Council of Westminster to reform the judicial system allowing the courts power over members of the Church which had the luxury of their own courts. Thomas Becket stood against the plans starting a rift between him and Henry that would led to Becket's death.15 
1164    Templars attempt a reconciliation
   Richard de Hastings, Master of the Templars, attempted to reconcile the differences between Henry II and Thomas Becket.16 
  Jan 30  Constitutions of Clarendon
   A series of statements laid down by Henry II regarding the relationship between the church and the state. One statement was the cause for the rift between Henry and Thomas Becket, that said that a member of the church who committed a crime should be available to be tried in a state court and not just a church one. Clarendon is near Salisbury. 
  Jan 30  William of Paitin dies
   William of Paitin, Henry II's brother, died at Rouen.9 
1165    Eleanor moves back to Aquitaine
   Henry II and Eleanor's marriage is effectively ended when she moves back to Aquitaine leaving Henry to rebuild England after the civil war in Stephen's reign.2 
    Hugh Bigod buys back Framlingham
   Henry II had confiscated the castle from the rebellious Earl. But Hugh raised the money required to buy back the castle. Henry built the castle at Orford to keep Hugh under control. 
1166 - 1172 Building of Orford Castle
  Henry II, had the castle at Orford, in Norfolk built between 1166 and 1172, to counter the threats of Hugh Bigod and to confront his castle fortress at Framlingham. 17 
    Assize of Clarendon
   A series of legislative statements made by Henry II with the aim of improving the justice process, including the jury system. 
    Dermot exiled from Ireland
   Dermot, the King of Leinster in eastern Ireland, was defeated in battle by Tighernan O Ruairc, another ruler in the region. Dermot was exiled and went to Normandy and the court of Henry II of England to ask for assistance in retaking his lands. Henry gave Dermot permission to find a willing army from either England or Wales and so Dermot approached Richard de Clare, the Earl of Pembroke who agreed to help in return for several demands. These demands were Dermot's daughter's hand in marriage and to rule Leinster after Dermot died.18 
1168 - 1188 Reconstruction of Dover Castle
  Henry II began the reconstruction of Dover Castle. The work would continue for twenty years and at the end of it, a brand new keep had been built, along with the outer walls of the inner bailey and sections of the outer wall. 
1169  Jan 6  Becket submits to Henry
   Henry II of England, Louis VII of France and Becket met at Montmirail; Becket submitted to Henry excepting only on point, and negotiations failed (7.1); a second meeting took place (7.2) at St. Leger-en-Yvelines, and a papal ultimatum served on Henry..9 
1170  Jun 14  Henry II coronation of Prince Henry
   To insult Thomas Becket, Henry II used the Archbishop of York in the coronation of his son Henry. This was an act that infringed the rights of the Archbishop of Canterbury.19 
  Jul 22  Becket and Henry at Freteval
   Henry II and Thomas Becket met near Freteval in France where they came to an agreement to end their differences. This resulted in Becket's partial restoration.9 
  Dec 1  Thomas Becket returns to England
   Henry II sent word to England saying that the conflict with Thomas Becket was at an end and his lands should be restored. Hearing this Becket returned to England landing on the south coast at Sandwich. 
  Dec 25  Becket excommunicates his enemies
   On Christmas Day Thomas Becket took to the pulpit at Canterbury Cathedral and gave his sermon. At the end of the sermon he excommunicated several of his enemies who had taken part in his earlier troubles with the King. 
  Dec 29  Thomas Becket is murdered
   When Henry II heard that Thomas Becket had returned to England and was threatening to excommunicate his opponents, his outrage was such that four knights overhearing the King travelled to England and killed Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral. 
1171 - 1174 Construction of Bowes Castle
  Henry II financed the construction of an improved castle on an old site in County Durham.12 
    Cardiganshire granted to Lord Rhys
   Henry II granted territories of south Wales including Cardiganshire to Rhys, the Prince of Wales.14 
  Jan 1  Henry II told of the murder of Becket
   Henry II told of the murder of Becket.9 
  Jul  Henry plans invasion of Ireland
   King Henry II had become concerned that Strongbow was building a strong base in Ireland, strong enough to become an independent state separate from England. Henry planned to take an army to Ireland to deal with Strongbow but Strongbow travelled to England and in September met Henry and promised his loyalty to the King.18 
  Aug 6  Henry II returns to England
   Henry II returned to England and visits Henry of Blois, the bishop of Winchester who was dying.6 
  Oct 17  Henry lands at Waterford in Ireland
   Henry II travelled to Ireland to receive the homage of the Irish leaders. Traders were invited to Dublin where a colony of English was set up. Henry stayed in Ireland over the winter months returning to England in the spring of 1172.20 
1172  May 21  Compromise of Avranches
   Even though Henry II was cleared of involvement in Thomas Becket's murder, he did penance before the Cathedral at Avranches in Normandy. The compromise was a deal struck between Henry and the church over the matter of Becket's death. (More detail required). 
1173 - 1174 Baronial rebellion
  The baronial rebellion against Henry II. One of it leaders was Hugh Bigod. (Need to investigate)17 
    Henry called as arbitrator
   Henry II's knowledge of law was extensive and he was called in as arbitrator in a conflict between Toulouse and Aragon.2 
1173 - 1179 Remodelling of Windsor Castle
  Henry II carried out major rebuilding work at Windsor Castle, including raising the height of the keep and improved the walls around the bailey. He added towers to the walls and built himself a house, the basement of which survives. 
    Henry takes control of Kenilworth
   With the threat of attack from the Barons and his own sons, Henry II took control of Kenilworth Castle and defended it with a small army of men. 7 
1174  May  Richard (I) seizes the town of Saintes from his father, Henry II
   Richard seized the town of Saintes from his father but soon lost it again as Henry's tactics and forces were more superior.21 
  Jun 13  The Battle of Alnwick
   William I, king of Scotland invades England to help fight in the baronial rebellion against Henry II. William is captured at the battle of Alnwick and the rebellion comes to an end. 
  Jul 7  Whipping of Henry II
   Henry II accepted his part, even though indirect, in the killing of Thomas Becket. He was whipped by the monks of Canterbury as punishment. 
  Aug  Siege of Rouen
   From the middle of July King Louis of France, Henry the Young King and Philip the count of Flanders had surrounded the city of Rouen. The city had held out against the war engines. Henry II arrived at Rouen in the middle of August to rescue the city. The besiegers were fearful that Henry II would invade France and the siege was lifted.6 
  Oct 11  Henry II reaches a peace agreement
   After a year and a half of rebellion against him, Henry II achieved peace agreements with Louis the French king and his own three sons. (Treaty of Falaise?)6 
1175  Aug  Joan travels to Sicily
   Joan, the daughter of Henry II, King of England, travelled to Sicily to marry William II the King of Sicily.6 
  Oct 6  Treaty of Windsor
   A treaty signed by Henry II and Rory O'Connor allowing O'Connor control of the areas of Ireland other than Leinster, Meath, Waterford and Dublin which were controlled by the English King. O'Connor agreed to pay Henry an annual sum of money and to provide one hide from each ten animals slaughtered every year.20 
1176    Peveril Castle Keep
   A square central keep was constructed at Peveril castle which was under the control of Henry II.4 
    Assize of Northampton
   With the Assize of Northampton Henry II built upon the criminal justice system that he had set out in 1166 at Clarendon. The country was divided into six areas and these areas were covered by six groups of justices. The justices would follow a circuit around each area.22 
1177    Henry as arbitrator
   Again Henry's knowledge of law is used in a conflict between Alfonso IX of Castile and Sancho VI of Navarre held in London.2 
    Henry II refounds Amesbury Abbey
   Henry II removed the existing nuns from Amesbury Abbey and replaced them nuns from the abbey of Fontevrault in France. The abbey was originally founded in 979 by Alfrida. 
  Feb 13  Joan becomes the Queen of Sicily
   In the city of Palermo on the island of Sicily Joan, the daughter of King Henry II married William II, the king of Sicily.6 
  May  Council at Oxford
   At the council Henry II gave his title of Lord of Ireland to his son Prince John.20 
1179    Richard (I) takes the impenetrable fortress town of Taillebourg.
   Within two weeks Richard broke the defences of the fortress town of Taillebourg. Henry II employed his son Richard to bring the rebellious barons of the Aquitaine area under control.21 
1180  Jun 28  Treaty of Gisors
   A non-aggression treaty signed between Philippe Augustus and Henry II.23 
1182    Kenilworth Castle becomes the King's property
   Henry de Clinton exchanged Kenilworth Castle for other land?7 
1183  Jun  The Young King dies
   Henry II's son Henry, crowned as the Young King, died of dysentery and Richard became heir to the English throne.21 
1185  Apr  John is knighted
   John is knighted by his father at Windsor Castle before travelling to Ireland. 
1186  Jul  Geoffrey, son of Henry II dies in a tournament
   Geoffrey, the son of Henry II dies in a tournament.21 
1187    Henry signs a peace treaty
   To avoid war with Philippe Augustus, after Philippe had taken Issousun, Henry II signed a peace treaty at Chateauroux.23 
1188    Cutting of the Elm
   Odd events surrounding the meeting of Henry II and Philippe II of France in a field at Gisors. Events surround a sacred Oak tree.24 
    The 'Saladin Tithe'
   This tax was imposed on the people of England (and France?) to raise funds for the Third Crusade. Called for by Henry II in 1188 it was used by his son Richard I who became king in 1189 and then quickly left England for the Crusades.25 
1189  Jul 6  Henry II Dies
   Henry II died at Chinon and was buried in the choir church of Fontevrault. Richard became King of England. William Marshal, who served under Henry II and was favoured by Richard, was sent to England to prepare for Richard's arrival.21 
1192    Llansteffan Castle rebuilt
   William de Camville had been granted Llansteffan Castle by Henry II and rebuilding work started in 1192. 
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Selection of references used:

1. Abbot Gasquet, The Greater Abbeys of England, 1908
2. John Harvey, The Plantagenets
3. Timbs & Gunn, Abbeys, Castles & Ancient Halls of England & Wales
4. John Kinross, Discovering Castles in England and Wales
5. Edward Burman, The Templars, Knights of God, 0-85030-396-6
6. The Plantagenet Chronicles, 1-85501-685-0
7. Mike Salter, Castles and Moated Castles of Warwickshire
8. Preston Williams, Illustrations of Masonry
9. Peter Potter, Data Donation
10. M.T.Clanchy, England and its Rulers
11. Derek Renn, Norman Castles, 1968
12. T. Wise, The Wars of the Crusades
13. Robert Fawtier (translation by Lionel Butler and R J Adam), The Capetian Kings of France, 1966
14. John Timbs & Alexander Gunn, Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England & Wales (North), 1872
15. John Fines, Who's Who in the Middle Ages
16. Stephen Howarth, The Knights Templar, 0 00 216452 3
17. Colin Platt, Medieval England, 0 7100 8815 9
18. H.W.C.Davis, England under the Normans and Angevins, 1949
19. Alan & Veronica Palmer, Pimlico Chronology of Britsh History, 0-7126-7331-8
20. G.A.Cambell, The Knights Templar. Their rise and fall
21. John Gillingham, The Life and Times of Richard I, 1974
22. Richard Cavendish, Kings and Queens The Concise Guide, 978-0-7153-2376-2
23. Duc de Castries, The lives of the Kings and Queens of France, 0 297 77676 2
24. Micheal Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln, The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail
25. C.H.Frith, Cromwell, 1935

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Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines - Henry (II, King of England 1154-1189)
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