Angevin Empire

An overview of Henry II's empire and how he controlled it

1. Henry II’s “Empire” How did Henry II maintain control over his territories?

2. The Angevin Territories

3. Henry’s “Empire” Disparate Not a “natural” empire – lacked cohesion Cultures, customs, dialects, languages diverse Some inherited; some via marriage; some through skilful political manoeuvring Vast – Distances king had to travel Across water Horse = fastest form transport King's entourage huge Armies and equipment = heavy, cumbersome

4. Henry II: Lord and Vassal King Henry II of England Henry was the lord of all in England Henry, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine The French king was his overlord And the overlord for Henry’s French vassals Henry sometimes used this to his advantage

5. Balancing Act Both Vassal and Overlord French king = overlord for French lands Henry II’s vassals could go over Henry Especially if harboured grudge Political expediency Be where needed, when Time in both England and French lands Be where most necessary - crises Needed strong barons Not over-mighty subjects though Trustworthy servants serving king’s best interest Many independent Maintain justice, law and order Importance of good structure of administration and government

6. How Did Henry Do It?

7. Henry II’s Personality Inexhaustible Attention to detail Shrewd judge of others Political cunning Successful warrior Strategic tactician Charismatic Respected and feared

8. Flexibility Henry allowed barons ruling the peripheral lands freer rein More difficult to enforce his rule Not want to drive them into Louis VII’s hands They could appeal to Louis as the ultimate overlord Elsewhere Henry ruled more directly England; Normandy; Anjou; Maine; Touraine Poitou, Limousin and Auvergne to lesser extent Ruled through officials Removable at will Personally chosen from lesser land-holders, even low-born Chosen for ability, loyalty

9. Centralised Administration Henry = itinerant king and lord Needed secure government in absence Each province had ... Justiciar (England) or Seneschal (France) Carefully chosen key officials – chosen by Henry II Head of hierarchy of government officials Henry II knew what was going on ... Justiciars and Seneschals under regular royal supervision by travelling Court Via administrative writs

10. Itinerant Kingship Kings travelled realms Collecting feudal dues Dispensing justice Building up relationships with local nobility Drafting and sending out Writs Henry II VERY energetic – never stopped! Itinerant justices Itinerant Commissions With special missions, investigating specific remits E.g. Henry II and the sheriffs

11. The King’s Travelling Court

12. Henry’s Success Charismatic Awe-inspiring Feared Respected Centralised Writs Well chosen deputies Monitored Travelling Court Justiciars / Seneschals Use of feudal system Tirelessly travelling Swift Tactic of surprise