King Henry II was born on the first day of the traditional new year at Le Mans. ¹

The Palace of Woodstock was held by Matilda's supporters during the conflict with King Stephen. Henry (II) spent much of his time there. ¹

Henry of Anjou, the future King of England landed on the south coast of England with his uncle Earl Robert of Gloucester and several knights, Henry spent a year in England at Bristol being taught by Master Matthew. Soon after landing in England Earl Robert captured Lulworth Castle, Rufus Castle on Portland and Wareham Castle.  ¹

Henry landed in England with a small army intent on attacking King 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.

Henry of Anjou landed in England in a second attempt to take the English throne from King Stephen. he travelled up via Salisbury and Gloucester north to Carlisle.

Henry the future king of England (Henry II) was knighted at Carlisle by David, King of the Scots. ¹

Henry returned to Normandy from Scotland and he was given the title of Duke of Normandy by his father.

Louis VII, the king of France, was not happy with Henry's new position as Duke of Normandy. Louis declared war on Henry. But Louis fell ill and the two enemies did not meet in battle. The dispute was sent to arbitration in Paris (Knights Templar?) and was resolved by Henry doing homage to Louis for Normandy and giving France the area of Vexin.

After returning from Paris with his son Henry, Geoffrey fell ill and died. He was taken back to Le Mans in the province of Maine (France) and buried in St. Julien's Cathedral. Henry inherited Anjou from his father giving him the titles of both count of Anjou and duke of Normandy.

Prince Henry captured the town of Malmesbury and its castle. ¹

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.

Only two months after Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriage to Louis VII, king of France was annulled, she married Henry of Anjou - the future king of England - Henry II. ¹

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.

Reading Castle destroyed by Henry II. ¹

Henry attacked Nottingham where a fire resulted in damage to the town. ¹

Henry, the son of Matilda, and a fleet of 30 to 40 ships landed on the south coast of England. Henry chose to attack Malmesbury, one of King Stephen's outposts. The winter weather took its toll on Stephen's troops and a truce was agreed. The truce agreement was to have the castle at Malmesbury destroyed but this was not carried out and Henry took control of the fortress. Henry then went in search of supporters. In the Midlands, the Earl of Leicester took Henry's side and this gave Henry control of large number of castles.

The Earl of Ferrers was a supporter of King Stephen and Henry of Anjou laid siege to his castle at Tutbury. The castle fell to Henry when the Earl decided to join Henry's fight against King Stephen.

King Stephen's son 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.

Henry had besieged a fort that King Stephen had built at Crowmarsh on the banks of the Thames opposite Wallingford Castle. An agreement of succession of King 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 in January of 1154. ¹

King 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.

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. ¹

A triumphant Henry returned to Rouen in Normandy to a warm reception from his family including Eleanor and his eight month old son William. ¹

While staying in Dover, King Stephen suddenly became ill and died. He had agreed that Matilda's son Henry should become King upon his death. Henry was in Normandy at the time.

Henry became king of England upon the death of King Stephen. ¹

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. ¹

Henry of Normandy was crowned as King Henry II of England, and Eleanor of Aquitaine was crowned Queen, at Westminster Abbey. ¹

After being crowned at Westminster Abbey, King Henry II held court at Bermondsey Abbey during the Christmas period. ¹

A plan to conquer Ireland was approved by Pope Adrian IV in a Papal Bull (a formal proclamation issued by the Pope) called Laudabiliter.

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. ¹

King Henry II captured the castle at Bridgnorth from Hugh de Mortimer who had taken possession of the fortress during the reign of King Stephen. ¹

The owner of Bolsover Castle, having murdered the Earl of Chester, forfeited his land to Henry II.

Rhys ap Gruffydd, also known as Lord Rhys, was a ruling prince of Deheubarth, an area of south Wales and lived during the reign of Henry II. He came to power after the death of his elder brothers, Anarwd, Cadell and Maredydd.

The king spent the festive period at Westminster Palace. Repairs must have been completed if the royal court spent time there. ¹

Henry left England via Dover and sailed back across the Channel to the Continent. There he captured Maribeau and Chinon in Anjou. The area would remain in English hands until it was regained by the French in 1205 from King John.

It is possible that King King Henry II held his Christmas court at Bordeaux in this year. ¹

The areas of Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland were surrendered by Malcolm IV, King of Scotland to King Henry II of England. The lands had been acquired by King David I in 1135 at the Treaty of Durham. Henry took back control of Carlisle Castle from the Scots. ¹

King Henry II rebuilt a castle at Basingwerk on the north coast of Wales overlooking a holy well. The king spent time at the castle while visiting the well. ¹

The castle at Devizes passed into King Henry II's control. ¹

King Henry II ordered a new castle to be built at Harbottle in Northumberland. ¹

The castle at Wark-on-Tweed was refortified. King Henry II ordered a new stone castle be built on the site of the older wooden fort. ¹

King Henry II invaded the northern territories of the Welsh Prince Owain Gwynedd. At truce was agreed and the Welsh Prince paid homage to English King.

Hugh Mortimer fortified the city of Worcester against King Henry II, but as the king'a army approached he submitted and was pardoned.

Henry held court at Lincoln in this year. It is thought St Mary's Guildhall was constructed for the purpose of the crown-wearing ceremonies held at Christmas. ¹

King Henry II forced several Welsh princes into submission including Lord Rhys who had to return captured castles to their previous owners and accept a truce.

At Easter King Henry II, and his wife Eleanor, visited Worcester Cathedral and placed their crowns on the shrine of Wulfstan, vowing not to wear them again. ¹

King Henry II travelled to France to meet Louis VII the French King and propose a marriage between his son Henry and Louis' daughter Margaret. This was accepted but the actual betrothal did not occur until November of 1160. Louis' children were all female, two by Eleanor of Aquitaine and the third, Margaret, by Constance , the daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile. Henry was only three years old and Margaret was less than a year old. ¹

The king held court at Cherbourg this year. ¹

King Henry II claimed the area around Toulouse in the name of his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, At Poitiers he gathered his army and on June 24th the army began its march. 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. As Henry was the vassal of King Louis he backed down from attacking the city while Louis was inside. ¹

Henry took his army north to Normandy where Louis' brothers were attacking the border. Henry took several castles and cut Louis off from Paris.

King Henry I held the upper hand and King Louis VII of France had no choice other than sign a peace treaty. It was agreed that the treaty would last until Whitsun 1160.

The royal court spent Christrmas at Falaise this year. ¹

It was agreed that most of the gains that Henry achieved in the last twelve months from Louis were to be reversed and as hier to Normandy Henry did homage to Louis, the French king.

At a betrothal ceremony between Henry the Young King and Margaret, King Henry II accepted the dowry of the Vexin castles as agreed with King Louis of France. ¹

Christmas festivities were held at Le Mans. ¹

Theobald of Bec, archbishop of Canterbury, died after an illness. King Henry II was informed and he expressed the wish to have his friend Thomas Becket elected as archbishop.

Eleanor of Aquitaine gave birth to a daughter at Rouen. The girl was named Eleanor after he mother. ¹

After a period of peace, Lord Rhys began military activities against the Normans and captured the motte and bailey Llandovery Castle.

Thomas Becket was consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury on June 3rd. He accepted the pallium sent by the Pope on August 10th. A pallium is a piece of clothe sent by the Pope and is woven from white lamb's wool. It is draped around the neck. ¹

King 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 King who had dropped the flag and fled the battle. In his defence Henry said that he had heard incorrectly that the king had been killed. Robert de Montfort won the combat when it appeared that Henry of Essex had been killed. When the monks from Reading Abbey took Henry's body for burial they found that he was still alive and nursed him back to health. Henry of Essex became a monk at Reading Abbey. ¹

Henry returned from Normandy to England coming ashore at Southampton where he was met by Thomas Becket.  ¹

King Henry II invaded Deheubarth taking Lord Rhys prisoner and confiscated his lands. Rhys was released a few weeks later. This prompted Lord Rhys to make an alliance with Owain Gwynedd, the Prince of Gwynedd to create an army to stand up to the Anglo-Normans.

The council held at the Royal Palace of Woodstock near Oxford was the scene for a clash between King 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. ¹

King 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. ¹

The body of Edward the Confessor was moved to a more fitting location within the Abbey. The ceremony was attended by King Henry II and Thomas Becket.

King Henry II celebrates Chrismas at Berkhamsted Castle. ¹

Richard de Hastings, Master of the Knight Templars, attempted to reconcile the differences between King King Henry II and Thomas Becket. ¹

The Constitutions of Clarendon were series of statements laid down by King 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.

William of Paitin, Henry II's brother, died at Rouen. ¹

King Henry II celebrated Christmas at Marlborough.

King 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 King Stephen's reign. ¹

King Henry II had confiscated Framlingham Castle from the rebellious Earl Hugh Bigod. But Hugh raised the money required to buy back the castle. Henry built the castle at Orford, a few miles to the south, to keep Hugh under control.

In an attempt to finally bring the Welsh princes under control King Henry II took a large army into north Wales. But the Welsh princes had combined their forces to create a single army of Welsh that matched the strength of the English. The Welsh had the advantage of terrain that they knew and this forced the English king to abandon his plans and return home.

King Henry II celebrated Christmas at Woodstock away from his wife for the first time.

King Henry II, had the castle at Orford built in Norfolk between 1166 and 1172, to counter the threats of Hugh Bigod and to confront his castle fortress at Framlingham. ¹

The Assize of Clarendon was a series of legislative statements made by King Henry II with the aim of improving the justice process, including the jury system.

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 King 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. ¹

King Henry II travelled to Normandy and would stay there for the next four years.

King Henry II celebrated Christmas at Poitiers. ¹

Matilda, the mother of King King Henry II of England died at Rouen, France, and buried in Fontevrault Abbey.

Prince John is born at Oxford. ¹

King Henry II ordered 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.

Henry the Lion, the Duke of Saxony married the twelve year old daughter of King Henry II of England, Matilda (Maud).

A marriage agreement was arranged between Prince Richard and the daughter of King Louis VII, bringing peace between England and France.Alys was only nine years old at the time and sent to England under protection of the English King Henry II. ¹

King Henry II of England, Louis VII of France and Thomas Becket met at Montmirail to hold peace talks. Becket submitted to Henry excepting only on one point, and the negotiations failed. A second meeting took place at St. Leger-en-Yvelines, and a papal ultimatum was served on Henry. ¹

King Henry II returned from Normandy and spent Easter at Windsor Castle where he was joined by William, King of Scotland and his brother David. The English king knighted David at this event.

The coronation of Prince Henry, the eldest son of King Henry II took place at Westminster Abbey. King Henry was following the practice of the French kings who had their eldest son crowned during their lifetime to ensure the prince would automatically become king upon their death. King Henry used the Archbishop of York in the coronation service as an insult to Thomas Becket. This was an act that infringed the rights of the Archbishop of Canterbury.  ¹

King 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. ¹

King 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.

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.

When King 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.

King Henry II financed the construction of an improved Bowes Castle on an old site in County Durham. ¹

King Henry II granted territories of south Wales including Cardiganshire to Rhys, the Prince of Wales. ¹

King Henry II was told of the murder of Thomas Becket. ¹

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. ¹

King Henry II returned to England and visited Henry of Blois, the bishop of Winchester who was dying. He also met with Lord Rhys, the important prince of south Wales. A series of meetings took place during 1171 and 1172 where an agreement was reached whereby Lord Rhys could keep his land and was given the title justiciar of south Wales. ¹

King 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. ¹

A 'Winter Palace' was constructed in Dublin where King Henry II celebrated Christmas. ¹

Laugharne Castle was the location of one of a series of meetings between King Henry II and Lord Rhys, that confirmed the lands held by the Lord, and where he was given the title of justiciar.

When news of the Papal Legates threatening to place England under an interdict becuase of the murder of the archbishop and news of his wife and sons plotting against him reached Henry in Ireland he decided to return. He sailed from Wexford Harbour and landed at Port Finnan, in Wales. ¹

The Compromise of Avranches. Even though King 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.

In a ceremony held at the church of St. Hilary in Poitiers, Richard was granted the title of Duke of Aquitaine. ¹

The baronial rebellion against King Henry II started in 1173 and finished at the battle of Alnwick 1174. It was started by the king's eldest son, the young Henry who went to France to ask the French king, Louis VII to have his father removed from the throne. In England the barons rose up against King Henry and were assisted by the Scottish king, William I.  ¹

Henry II's knowledge of law was extensive and he was called in as arbitrator in a conflict between Toulouse and Aragon. ¹

King 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.

With the threat of attack from the Barons and his own sons, King Henry II took control of Kenilworth Castle and defended it with a small army of men.  ¹

Richard seized the town of Saintes from his father but soon lost it again as Henry's tactics and forces were more superior. ¹

William I, king of Scotland invaded England to help fight in the baronial rebellion against Henry II. The Scottish King attacked the castle at Prudhoe but was unable to capture it. William was captured at the Battle of Alnwick and the rebellion came to an end. He was transported to Falaise in Normandy where he would later sign a peace treaty.

King Henry II accepted his part, even though indirect, in the killing of Thomas Becket. He was whipped by the monks of Canterbury as punishment.

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 held out against the war engines long enough for Henry II to arrive in the middle of August to stage a rescue. The besiegers were fearful that King Henry II would invade France and the siege was lifted. ¹

After a year and a half of rebellion against him, King Henry II achieved peace agreements with Louis VII the French king and his own three sons. (Treaty of Falaise?) ¹

Joan, the daughter of Henry II, King of England, travelled to Sicily to marry William II the King of Sicily. ¹

The Treaty of Windsor was signed by King 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. ¹

A square central keep was constructed at Peveril castle which was under the control of Henry II. ¹

With the Assize of Northampton King 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. ¹

Again King Henry's knowledge of law is used in a conflict. This time between Alfonso IX of Castile, and Sancho VI of Navarre. The meeting was held in London. ¹

Because of complaints about the abbess and nuns, King Henry II removed them from Amesbury Abbey and replaced them nuns from the abbey of Fontevrault in France making it an alien priory. The abbey was originally founded with Benedictine nuns in 979 by Alfrida.

In the city of Palermo, on the island of Sicily, Joan, the daughter of King Henry II married William II, the king of Sicily. ¹

At the Council of Oxford King King Henry II gave his title of Lord of Ireland to his son Prince John. ¹

As part of his penance for his involvement in the death of Archbishop Thomas Becket, King Henry II of England founded the first of the small number of Carthusian houses that were created in England. Witham Priory also known as Witham Charterhouse was built in Somerset and populated by monks from Grande Chartreuse the mother monastery of the Carthusian religious order.

Within two weeks Richard broke the defences of the fortress town of Taillebourg. King Henry II employed his son Richard to bring the rebellious barons of the Aquitaine area under control. ¹

A non-aggression treaty signed between Philippe Augustus and Henry II. ¹

This law was passed to force all freemen to arm themselves according to their wealth with weapons and equipment in order to protect their homes and country from invaders.

Geoffrey,one of the younger sons of King Henry II of England married Constance of Brittany and was granted the title Duke of Brittany.

Henry de Clinton exchanged Kenilworth Castle for other land? ¹

Henry II's son Henry, crowned as the Young King, died of dysentery and Richard became heir to the English throne. ¹

King Henry II issues a forest code to ensure the royal forests were protected and prioritised the welfare of the animals over the needs of the local people.

John is knighted by his father at Windsor Castle before travelling to Ireland.

Geoffrey, the son of King Henry II died in a tournament. ¹

To avoid war with Philippe Augustus, after Philippe had taken Issousun, King Henry II signed a peace treaty at Chateauroux. ¹

Odd events surrounding the meeting of King Henry II and Philippe II of France in a field at Gisors. The events surround a sacred oak tree. ¹

Josias, the Archbishop of Tyre, found King Henry II and Philippe II at Gisors and told them of the defeat at Hattin. Both kings agreed to peace terms and to contribute to a joint Crusade. It was decided to raise a new tax to pay for the endevour. This tax, known as the Saladin Tithe, was imposed on the people of England and France to raise funds for a new Crusade. But the truce between England and France did not last long enough for the planned joint crusade to get underway. ¹

The conflicts between England and France started once again with King Henry II attacking French lands and Philippe II attacking English lands in Normandy. ¹

Unhappy that King Henry would give the throne of England to John, Richard sided with Philippe Augustus of France.

Richard, joined forces with the French King to attack his own father. ¹

King Henry II was now seriously ill and submitted at a conference with the French King to peace. Henry agreed to do homage to Philippe and several towns and castles were taken by the French. It was now that Henry learnt of John's allegiance with the French King and this news upset the English King so much it was a major cause of his death.

King Henry II died at Chinon and was buried in the choir church of Fontevrault. Richard, his eldest son, 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. ¹

William de Camville had been granted Llansteffan Castle by King Henry II and rebuilding work started in 1192.