King Henry II of England, Life and Death of this Medieval Monarch, Murder, Betrayal and Treachary

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King Henry II of England, Life and Death of this Medieval Monarch, Murder, Betrayal and Treachary

Рет қаралды 80,661

Күн бұрын

When Henry II Ascended to the throne he did so midway through the 12th century - now this was a particularly bloody and brutal period in England’s history and Henry reigned amid a backdrop of murder, treachery, family betrayal and political shenanigans that all together would stretch the credulity of any work of fiction - however, all of this was indeed very very real.
Watch to find out about the full reign of one of the most fascinating of English monarchs, widely considered to be one of Englands finest, but also one who suffered great betrayal by those closest to him, a monarch who became the first of the Plantagenet Kings of England - a blood line that would last for nearly 300 years.
Thank you for watching this video, please hit the like button if you have found it enlightening and do consider subscribing if you would like to see more content such as this.
#History #Documentary #Biography
Chapters:-
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Early Life
06:00 Marriage
10:00 Becoming King
13:18 Early Kingship
18:55 Later Reign
26:17 Great Revolt
33:55 Final Years
44:16 Conclusion
Phillip II of France
File : Philip_II,_King_of_France,_in_a_19th-century_portrait_by_Louis-Félix_Amiel.jpg
Author : Luclaf
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Thomas Becket
File : Statue de Saint-Thomas-Becket en l'église Saint-Thomas-de-Canterbury de Cuiseaux (Saône-et-Loire) 02.jpg
Author : Jean de l'Auxois
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
France in early-mid 12th century
File : France map Lambert-93 topographic-blank.svg
Author : Eric Gaba
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Henry's claims over lands in France (in shades of red) at their peak[108]
File : France_1154_Eng.jpg
Author : EAmitchell125
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, East Sussex. This 14th century castle is a grade I listed building in England.
File : Bodiam Castle 2018.jpg
Author : DeFacto
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Changes : Added saturation, a figure and a new sky. Used as a KZfaq thumbnail.
Effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England in the church of Fontevraud Abbey
File : Church_of_Fontevraud_Abbey_Eleanor_of_Aquitaine_and_Henry_II_effigies2
Author : Adam Bishop
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Vue aérienne oblique de l'Abbaye de Fontevraud
File : Fontevraud3.jpg
Author : Pierre Mairé, PixAile.com
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
British Isles and Ireland
File : Location map of British Isles.png
Author : Paasikivi
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Internationa
London - Statue of Richard I of England
File : London - Statue of Richard I of England (40420372723).jpg
Author : Fred Romero from Paris, France
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
Areas of England loyal to Stephen and Matilda, c.1140, during the civil war known as The Anarchy.
File : Southern counties 1140 + towns1.svg
Author: Nilfanion, MRSC, Dr Greg, Serial No. 54129
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Les gisants d'Aliénor d'Aquitaine et Henri II à Fontevraud
File : Gisant alienor d aquitaine et henri2.jpg
Author : ElanorGamgee
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

Пікірлер: 140

@peterixon8708 Жыл бұрын

Tend to agree with you that Henry, rather than Richard I, is more deserving of a statue. Now retired, 43 years working for governments has taught me that true success, for any administration, lies in the rule of law that best serves the majority, not the pursuit of personal glory.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

I completely agree, I personally think that there are several monarchs more deserving of a statue.

@Andy_Babb 11 ай бұрын

Well said, friend.

@lettucearsebiscuits8375 3 ай бұрын

Hard disagree. When you take a closer look at Richard's life in the book by John Gillingham, you will appreciate him more and come to realize that it's not medieval propaganda that elevated Richard. He earned his legendary status.

@peterixon8708 3 ай бұрын

@@lettucearsebiscuits8375 , I pause. I accept I need to do more reading, however, tis administration, rather than glory, that I believe is the heart of the issue. Were 'the people' better off' under monarch A, or monarch B, that is the real question I'm always asking myself. But right now, until I access this book you mention, I have no definitive answer myself. That's what I love about history; always more to understand than initially meets the eye. Thanks for disagreeing, but also for furthering the quest for knowledge with evidence as opposed to opinion as to why.

@lettucearsebiscuits8375 3 ай бұрын

@@peterixon8708 Well. You'll have to see that precisely why I'm making this argument is that Richard, as the book details, was much better at managing the realm than his father. And that my position is that of John Gillingham's: Richard was neither a feckless knight nor an absentee king. However, I leave it to you to find out more.

@markadams7597 11 ай бұрын

H2 was England's greatest king. Eleanor is somewhere behind E1 as England's best Queen. Gret video. Thanks for posting.

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

Many thanks Mark, really glad you liked it 😊🙏👍

@vanessadebrino7231 11 ай бұрын

Henry II is the personification of what it means to be a “warrior king”. The guy never slept and was always on the move. The HD in ADHD

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

Absolutely right Vanessa, the early Plantagenet’s were always on the move and never settled in one place for long, one of the most prolific in this regard was king John. 👍

@utuberhoda Жыл бұрын

These are EXCELLENT videos! So well done. Thank you ver very much. Your hard work does not go unnoticed 🇨🇦

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks for your very kind words, I am really glad you like them, I am about to release another one this weekend so I hope you enjoy that one too 👍🙏

@melaniesingh7208 Жыл бұрын

My favorite King. I just spent time in France and got to go to Le Mans, Poitiers where he married Eleanor, Chinon where he died and Fontevraud Abbey where he was interred. Trip of a lifetime. I really don’t understand the fascination for Richard. All Henry’s sons were shadows of himself.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

I have to agree with you especially re Richard, however, while nowhere near as effective a monarch as Henry, John’s life is no less interesting - well for me anyway 😉👍

@graham2113 11 ай бұрын

Up to the time of the last Blue Passport,French shadowed the Document that is until The European glorified ID Red item took its place (thankfully Charles 3rd )will return our own Beaurocacy,not Someone else's.😊

@samright4661 Жыл бұрын

I just found the channel,, i subbed. I really enjoy watching Medieval history.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Hi, that’s great, good to have you onboard 👍🙏

@magicalmystery1964 Жыл бұрын

Henry ll one of my favorite kings in British history. A political genius, that would have a much better rep if his knights had not acted so recklessly. I see a lot of comments about how he made so many mistakes with his sons. I sure he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that his sons would be unreliable rulers at best. John was a complete disaster as a king, so his concerns were justified. However, you want suggestions for future videos? Then I would LOVE to see a video on Richard ll. Perhaps that could be followed by Henry lV? Thanks for your time in putting these together. I have subscribed as I am something of an English history buff.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much for a great comment, totally agree with all you have said re Henry II. Your suggestion on future videos, well I have just got back from filming the Tower of London and the city, I am completely whacked 😀👍. Let’s just say I think you and I are on the same lines, I aim to get the next one out in a couple of weeks, hopefully you will like it 🙏👍

@magicalmystery1964 Жыл бұрын

@@historyslifestories373 I am sure I will if the videos I have seen are any indication.

@healthyliving4495 Жыл бұрын

Very well done. I am descended of both Henry and John and this is the most positive depiction and most comprehensible I've seen

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks, yes I really enjoyed researching Henry, probably more than the others 👍🙏

@Ionabrodie69 Жыл бұрын

American I’m guessing…?🙄You are aware most indigenous Brits are descendants… don’t hold your breath for a invite to tea from Charles …😂🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@bengunn3698 11 ай бұрын

@@Ionabrodie69 Is it true that a descendant of Oliver Cromwell wants to see Charles ?

@cecileroy557 11 ай бұрын

@@Ionabrodie69 What you said is true. How you said is condescending.....

@overcomerbtbojesus 10 ай бұрын

@@bengunn3698lololol! What a conversation they would have but i trust that a good deal of british humor would find it to be quite amusing 🤣😂🤣

@brookswilson1072 Жыл бұрын

King Henry II was my 23rd great grandfather of whom I am greatly proud and humbled.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

You must indeed be very proud, a great king in my view and a fascinating character 👍

@Ionabrodie69 Жыл бұрын

🙄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@rdt8888 Ай бұрын

Henry II and Eleanor's daughter, also Eleanor, married Rey Alfonso VIII of Castile and I am a descendant through my mother's side. I fully expected to see Spanish and Portuguese nobility in the family tree but I never expected to see Henry II. Mathmatically we are all descended from historic figures but it is a nice surprise to find this one.

@janeaustenist Жыл бұрын

Excellent

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you liked it 👍🙏

@sharonkaczorowski8690 Жыл бұрын

In my humble opinion as a lifelong student of human behavior and history, most people who seek power are not wrapped real tight. Stephen was an exception that proves the rule.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

You make a good point 👍

@jocelynmartin1572 11 ай бұрын

As Arthur Clarke, the great sci-fi author wrote, some jobs should not be given to the people who want them...

@washubrain 11 ай бұрын

It always appeared to me that king Henry II was the first monarch who initiated the establishment of what later became the Parliament, thus I couldn't agree more that this is his statue that should have commemorated the roots of the English democracy.

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

Quite right, a very forward thinking monarch 👍

@lindasue8719 11 ай бұрын

And it seems he was angling for a separation of church and state. Extremely progressive for the time.

@sheilahorn8913 Жыл бұрын

All things Plantagenets! Yes!

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

I find them all fascinating, I enjoy reading / researching them. 👍🙏

@user-fq8rs7rz3i 6 ай бұрын

@@historyslifestories373 So much better than the Tudors. Kinda sick of hearing about them.

@thegreenlawchannel5740 11 ай бұрын

You got a new sub. Well done I love these videos.

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

Many thanks, I am really glad you like them 🙏👍

@Dominic-mm6yf Жыл бұрын

Henry was the best of his line and was a pragmatic strong ruler but made many mistakes.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks for your comment Dominic, I have to agree, Henry II was imo the best Plantagenet king for the positive changes he made to England in particular. He did have failings though and they did cost him in the end - but I guess he was only human 🙏

@user-fq8rs7rz3i 6 ай бұрын

He certainly did with Becket. I don’t believe that Becket was an holy man, I think he wanted power any way he could get it. What a betrayal of Henry. But Henry was clever and took his medicine. (Not mentioned here). I’m just sorry his sons were so unworthy. Eleanor got what she deserved. And how stupid was Louis to trust her? What a family!

@dandanblackchilli7235 11 ай бұрын

Great video! Thanks for uploading

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

You are very welcome 🙏👍

@danielleshelbourne220 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this fascinating look into history, I really enjoyed it. I enjoy all your videos tremendously, thank you so much for the time and effort you put into creating such great content for us to enjoy. 🙏 👑 🏰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

@historyslifestories373 9 ай бұрын

Many thanks Danielle, very much appreciated, let me know if you have any ideas on a subject that you would like me to cover 😉🙏👍

@elainehague12 Жыл бұрын

Best history channel ive found so far. You sir have a sub 😊

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many many thanks Elaine, and welcome aboard 🙏👍

@mariamesser2418 Жыл бұрын

Please make more videos. I really enjoy watching yours.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks Maria, I have one almost ready but need to go to Westminster Abbey to complete the video, trouble is it is closed at the moment for some event that’s due to take place - coronation or something like that 😉😀👍

@mariamesser2418 Жыл бұрын

@@historyslifestories373 I guess that’s a good reason to wait a few days lol

@lindasue8719 11 ай бұрын

Beautifully clear and succinct!♥️👍🏼 Admittedly to several years since I've read books about Eleanor and Henry, but I always felt somewhat confused by the jumble of details. I felt I learned (and retained!) a whole lot more listening to this!

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

Hi LindaSue, many thanks for your kind words. I like to make the story flow easily, I think it holds the viewers interest more, rather than just throwing out lots of facts, well, it’s how I like to watch them anyway 😀🙏👍

@lindasue8719 11 ай бұрын

@@historyslifestories373 it's very much appreciated! Other videos do seem to just spew out a series of dates and battles. I really like that you throw in details about their personal lives; the way they interact with each other,; their personalities.

@noreenclark2568 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the interesting life and times on king Henry the second, his reign had its ups and downs

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Noreen, yes, his reign certainly was eventful - but considered a good king nonetheless 🙏👍

@ElinT13 Жыл бұрын

That is the most positive protrait of King Henry II that I ever heard. And to state my personal view: wanting to keep control for me means that Henry was deeply mistrusting, and exactly that he received back. And I honestly don't have the impression that he disliked war. At all. Also, he was seen to be very ... let's call it thrifty, with himself but also with his family. To keep his sons so short of money when they had to represent power (and also their family) wasn't a clever move. Thanks for your video, I greatly appreciate the effort you put into your episodes!

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Excellent comment Elin, completely agree with it, glad you liked the video, to be honest I really liked researching Henry II - one of the most interesting for me. 👍🙏

@ElinT13 Жыл бұрын

@@historyslifestories373 And you do a marvellous job, I really like your episodes! Thanks again!

@deborahschumann8286 Жыл бұрын

Well, his wife was constantly using his sons as pawns in the power struggle for the Aquitaine. Rebellion fermented by you wife can do that to you.

@ElinT13 Жыл бұрын

@@deborahschumann8286 That is true. But not giving to your family what is their due, and even worse, giving away your wife's estates, isn't really the way to ensure loyalty.

@CommonSwindler 10 ай бұрын

@@ElinT13This is plainly contrary to historical reality. Henry did in fact give his family “their due”. Witness the Treaty of Montmirail or Eleanor’s government in the Aquitaine. The problem stems from the fact that they simply weren’t Henry II, they didn’t have his political genius or administrative nous-save perhaps Eleanor.

@cecileroy557 11 ай бұрын

Just found this channel!! And subscribed!!!

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

Many thanks for your support. 🙏👍

@normaowens7340 Жыл бұрын

I hadn't really heard too much about him, until recently. I am reading The Captive Queen by Alison Weir and now i am so curious.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Ahh, excellent. I hope you enjoy it 👍

@normaowens7340 Жыл бұрын

@@historyslifestories373 I truly did. I also subscribed

@robertmastnak581 11 ай бұрын

Very interesting fakts. Thx

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

You’re very welcome 🙏👍

@sharonkaczorowski8690 Жыл бұрын

Poor women who lived in times when people believed the mother determined a child’s gender.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Yes, they were very different times thankfully 👍

@mariedraghi9394 Жыл бұрын

Is the phrase,”Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?”… or something to the effect not accurately attributed to Henry II ?

@user-fq8rs7rz3i 6 ай бұрын

Yes, but it isn’t always said in documentaries.

@lillianmcgrew217 6 ай бұрын

I never knew this, this is interesting

@historyslifestories373 6 ай бұрын

Yes, Henry II was one of the more interesting kings, well I think so anyway 😉🙏👍

@DonnaGisellaTranchel Жыл бұрын

My Favorite..!💙💙💙💙💙

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks 🙏👍

@lorrainecasey749 Жыл бұрын

Same 🥰

@crazyemraled8494 Жыл бұрын

Can I say, some thing so simple... U cant pick Yr family 😢❤️

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Ain’t that the truth 😉👍

@rebeccaenlow7395 Жыл бұрын

So many commercials!

@swagg9mill_aon 9 ай бұрын

I’m related to him threw his daughter… why I’m I broke and in the hood when my family been royalty until the middle of 1800’s…

@user-fq8rs7rz3i 6 ай бұрын

🤣

@2msvalkyrie529 3 ай бұрын

Speak to a lawyer ..? You may have a claim on the throne ..!!

@2msvalkyrie529 3 ай бұрын

@ 27.43 Anyone know the location where this pic was taken ??

@historyslifestories373 3 ай бұрын

Lympstone Bay in Devon.

@lorrainecasey749 Жыл бұрын

Of all the monarchs Henry Curtmantle is my favourite ☺️

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I really enjoyed researching him 👍🙏

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I really enjoyed researching him 👍🙏

@shaunprendergast8900 Жыл бұрын

The Plantagenet dynasty last 350 years, it ended with Richard III.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

I assume you meant Richard II, Richard III was House of York👍

@heliedecastanet1882 11 ай бұрын

@@historyslifestories373 Both the House of York and the House of Lancaster are a branch of the Plantagenets. The two lines started with the two sons of Edward III : John of Gaunt, who started the House of Lancaster, and Edmond of Langley, who started the House of York. But it is still the same dynasty and family through males.

@lindasue8719 11 ай бұрын

I'm not clear on how / why Henry II had his son,Henry, crowned king during the former's lifetime? 2 Kings at one time? I've never heard of this before.

@historyslifestories373 11 ай бұрын

It was very much a French tradition, the French kings often crowned their heir before they actually took over. We have to remember that Henry II was the first in the Plantagenet line, brought up in northern France so would have leaned heavily on their traditions. His son Henry was also very ambitious and frustrated by his lack of any real role in the administration, making him a king was meant to placate him - not that it worked though 😉

@hildaburken4805 Жыл бұрын

❤

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks 🙏

@monteschiavo Жыл бұрын

very well explained all

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks, much appreciated 🙏👍

@anthonytroisi6682 10 ай бұрын

Watch "Lion in Winter" for an insight into Henry II's reign.

@historyslifestories373 10 ай бұрын

I will, many thanks 👍

@orlandodiola7076 Ай бұрын

Seen the movie many many times. Hepburn & Otoole phenominal as the movie.

@abduldamilola5080 11 ай бұрын

I think Empress Matilda is Rhaenyra of House of the Dragon😅

@Danogil Жыл бұрын

The Statue of Becket at 17:49 has a resemblance to Richard Burton.

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Ha ha the great man would have made an excellent Becket 😊👍

@user-fq8rs7rz3i 6 ай бұрын

Becket the betrayer.

@gabrielazavacka2669 7 ай бұрын

Hernich II did a lot for the country, he ruled for 35 years, Richard the Lionheart ruled for only 10 years, so he couldn't do as much as his father. if he had ruled for a few more years, the English Angevin empire would have flourished. there would also be fewer poor people. and richard taxed the nobility, the church, not simple people. and richard went on crusade not to be captured by the duke of austria and then defend the country against philip augustus. he was just unlucky. and then the stupid arrow that killed him. richard was inclined to charity, especially his wife. it's a woman's job, of course, and richard protected the weak and the downtrodden.

@gabrielazavacka2669 7 ай бұрын

@THINKincessantly Жыл бұрын

Stephen was one of the most decent men to ever wear the crown. 👑🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@historyslifestories373 Жыл бұрын

Some of his actions during the civil war were extremely courteous and even generous, it would be interesting to know what kind of king he would have been if it wasn’t for the war.

@adrianking5661 Жыл бұрын

Tell that to Maude

@samright4661 Жыл бұрын

He spared William Marshall life when he was just a child

@deborahschumann8286 Жыл бұрын

He usurped the throne. He swore an oath of fealty to Matilda while old Henry was still alive only to turn once Henry was dead. Not my definition of “decent

@adrianking5661 Жыл бұрын

Come on decent man, how many people died so he could were a shiny hat and sit in the big chair and at the expense of what, that shiny hat and big chair was payed for with blood, I don't find that to be a decent thing to do, the English monarchs lead to the English empire which was also payed for with blood, genocidal blood for wealth and power, decent you say? I guess that depends on one's definition of decent.

@2msvalkyrie529 3 ай бұрын

Henry 2 nd. France's greatest king. !

@jamesruscheinski8602 Жыл бұрын

Christ salvation

@PoisonelleMisty4311 9 ай бұрын

Henry II and Richard the Lionheart are the worst king in Uk, they engaged in crusade wars and killed many muslims and destroyed economy in uk. They hated the brittish working class and were known for their oppressive rule. They made a cruel example out of anyone who opposed them and showed no mercy towards their subjects. Their reign was marked by constant turmoil and suffering for the people of the UK. Additionally, their actions fueled resentment and animosity among neighboring kingdoms, leading to further conflicts and instability in the region. People constantly talked about the oppressive regime and the need for change. Many individuals risked their lives to resist and overthrow the ruling class, sparking rebellions and uprisings throughout the country. The oppressive rule of the British monarchy left a lasting impact on the collective memory of the people, shaping their determination for freedom and justice.

@2msvalkyrie529 3 ай бұрын

Exactly ! Not only that but he once drowned a kitten...! !