Here is a list of the Angevin kings who ruled England during this fascinating period.
Henry Plantagenet, the first Angevin king, ascended to the English throne in 1154. He brought significant changes to the English legal system with his establishment of the common law and the expansion of royal authority.
Henry’s reign was also marked by conflicts with Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and rebellions within his own family, including his sons’ revolts.
Known as Richard the Lionheart, he was a renowned military leader and a prominent figure in the Third Crusade. Richard spent much of his reign abroad, leading campaigns in the Holy Land, leaving the governance of England to regents.
His absence, along with his heavy taxation to fund his military adventures, led to unrest in England.
John, the youngest son of Henry II, faced numerous challenges during his reign. His rule was marred by conflict with the Church, particularly his dispute with Pope Innocent III over the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which led to the interdict on England.
Additionally, John’s arbitrary taxation and abuses of power culminated in the revolt of the barons, resulting in the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a document that laid the foundation for constitutional liberties in England.
The son of King John, Henry III came to the throne as a child, leading to a period of regency until he reached maturity. His reign was marked by a lengthy struggle with the barons, who sought to limit the king’s power.
Despite facing several challenges, including the Second Barons’ War, Henry III managed to strengthen the monarchy’s administrative institutions.
The Angevin kings of England left a lasting impact on the nation’s history. Their reigns witnessed the development of the English common law, early parliamentary structures, and significant interactions with continental Europe, particularly the Angevin Empire in France.
The struggles and conflicts during their rule also laid the foundation for the emergence of constitutional principles and the limitation of royal authority in England. These kings, with their complex and often turbulent reigns, played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the English monarchy and the nation itself.