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KING HENRY II OF ENGLAND

BIOGRAPHY
King Henry II was the ruler of England from 1154 to 1189. He was
one of the most powerful kings of medieval England. He was born
on 5th March 1133, he was the eldest son of Geoffrey, Count of
Anjou, Matilda, daughter of King Henry I. After his father's death,
Henry ascended the throne and became the Count of Anjou. He
conquered lands and he also added the duchy of Aquitaine by his
marriage (May 18,1152) to Eleanor, daughter of the late duke.

He expanded the Anglo-French domains and strengthened the royal

administration. His quarrels with the archbishop of Canterbury,
Thomas Becket, and various family members (including his son
Richard the Lionheart) ultimately brought to his downfall. Henry
acquired most of the continental possessions that would expand the
kingdom of England before he became the king in 1154.

His hobbies, lifestyle and accomplishments as a King. Henry spent

most of his time in the saddle that his legs became bowed. Henry’s
voice was reported to be harsh and cracked, He did not care for
magnificent clothing. He was very intelligent and had acquired
immense knowledge.

Henry could have been remembered as one of the greatest rulers of

his times, except for the death of his childhood friend, Thomas
Becket, archbishop of England, where he was suspected of some
type of participation in the murder.
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After 20years of marriage, Eleanor, his wife, plotted against Henry.

Henry put her against house arrest.
His sons tried to overthrow him, greedy for power, which led to a
family fight. Henry was defeated by his son (Richard the Lionheart)
and paid home age to the French King Phillip August.
At last, he died of blood poisoning.