HENRY II’S “EMPIRE”

How did Henry II maintain control over his territories?

The Angevin Territories

Henry’s “Empire” Disparate

Not a “natural” empire – lacked cohesion Cultures, customs, dialects, languages

diverse Some inherited; some via marriage; some

through skilful political manoeuvring

Vast – Distances king had to travel Across water Horse = fastest form transport King's entourage huge Armies and equipment = heavy,

cumbersome

Henry II: Lord and Vassal King Henry II of

England Henry was the lord of all

in England Henry, Duke of

Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine The French king was his

overlord And the overlord for

Henry’s French vassals Henry sometimes used

this to his advantage

Balancing Act Both Vassal and Overlord

French king = overlord for French lands Henry II’s vassals could go over Henry Especially if harboured grudge Political expediency

Be where needed, when Time in both England and French lands Be where most necessary - crises

Needed strong barons Not over-mighty subjects though Trustworthy servants serving king’s best interest Many independent

Maintain justice, law and order Importance of good structure of administration and

government

HOW DID

HENRY DO IT?

Henry II’s Personality Inexhaustible Attention to detail Shrewd judge of others Political cunning Successful warrior Strategic tactician Charismatic Respected and feared

Flexibility Henry allowed barons ruling the

peripheral lands freer rein More difficult to enforce his rule Not want to drive them into Louis VII’s hands

They could appeal to Louis as the ultimate overlord

Elsewhere Henry ruled more directly England; Normandy; Anjou; Maine; Touraine Poitou, Limousin and Auvergne to lesser

extent Ruled through officials

Removable at will Personally chosen from lesser land-holders,

even low-born Chosen for ability, loyalty

Centralised Administration Henry = itinerant king and lord

Needed secure government in absence

Each province had ... Justiciar (England) or Seneschal (France) Carefully chosen key officials – chosen

by Henry II Head of hierarchy of government

officials

Henry II knew what was going on ... Justiciars and Seneschals under regular

royal supervision by travelling Court Via administrative writs

Itinerant Kingship Kings travelled realms

Collecting feudal dues Dispensing justice Building up relationships with local nobility Drafting and sending out Writs Henry II VERY energetic – never stopped!

Itinerant justices

Itinerant Commissions With special missions, investigating specific

remits E.g. Henry II and the sheriffs

Domestic

• Chapel - Headed by Chancellor

• Hunting• Personal

Admin

• Drafting documents

• Supervised by Chancellor

Military

• Household knights

• Core of royal army

Financial: Chamber

• Held king's valuables

• Financial office of itinerate household

• Permanent Treasury at Winchester

Judicial

• King's Court• Listened to counsellors

• Received important visitors

• Dispensed justiceT

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Henry’s Success

Henry II’s Personality Government

Henry’s Energy

SUCCESS

CharismaticAwe-inspiringFearedRespected

Centralised Writs

Well chosen deputies

Monitored Travelling Court

Justiciars / Seneschals

Use of feudal system

Tirelessly travelling

Swift Tactic of

surprise