HII's accession Flashcards
1133
H2 born
1135
H1 dies- Stephen quickly nabs the throne, looks as if there is going to be peace
1135-1153
The Anarchy- Empress Matilda (sometimes Maude) against Stephen of Blois
1142-1144
H2 visits England for the first time, then studies in Bristol
1147
H2 goes to England, this time with mercenaries, mostly unsuccessful bar distinguishing himself somewhat
1149
H2’s third trip to England, made a knight by his uncle, makes a failed attack on York, helped in Devizes
1150
Invested by his father by Duke of Normandy
1151
Death of H2’s father, Geoffrey V, who had taught him politics, business, war and riding
H2 priorities in 1154 (6 things)
1 gain the throne
2 ensure stability after The Anarchy by strengthening the crown
3 protect his authority in Normandy whilst away
4 find a wife to bear an heir
5 prove himself as capable to potentially rebellious barons
6 maintain advantageous relations with France
January 1153
Henry attacks Malmesbury, Wiltishire, plunders and butchers as it was weakened by various sieges
King Stephen goes to meet Henry
Awful weather demoralises Stephen’s men- wonder if God disapproved
Stephen’s troops refuse to fight
Early 1153
H2 recognises England is “war-weary” Jones
Sends some Brabançons home to Flanders
Negotiates with the English magnates- gains their support by proving he could protect both their Norman and English estates as Duke of Normandy
Robert, earl of Leicester then perfect HII follower from then on- Stephen couldn’t secure his Norman lands
Spring 1153
H2 tours Bristol, Gloucester and then the Midlands
asserts “good leadership, not good generalship” Jones
holds court around the country, dispenses charters giving land and legal rights to magnates, showed respect for judicial process where public authority was non-existent made peaceful overtures to Stephen
July 1153
Henry and Stephen meet at Wallingford, sense of an end near
July-August 1153
Henry and Stephen meet again at Wallingford, barons on both side refuse to fight as they realise that victory for either side would cause “mass land confiscations and continued bitter division in the realm” Jones
There Stephen and Henry have a peace talk across a stream, H2 is to be recognised as Stephen’s legal heir to the Crown and familial relations start to be mended
Why were King Stephen and Henry Plantagenet forced to make peace in 1153? (8 main reasons)
Bishop Henry of Winchester Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury Robert earl of Leicester magnates' lands in Normandy Malmesbury January 1153 H2's tour of the midlands spring 1153 Wallingford July-August 1153 The Anarchy 1135-53