- 1. Henry II of Anjou, a formidable figure in medieval history, ascended the English throne in 1154, marking a pivotal moment as he became the first Plantagenet king of England. Born on March 5, 1133, to Count Geoffrey Plantagenet and Empress Matilda, Henry was a product of the powerful Angevin dynasty. His reign was characterized by dynamic and transformative governance, as he sought to restore stability and authority to the English crown following the turbulent period known as The Anarchy that ensued during the reign of his mother. Upon coronation, he inherited not only the English crown but also vast territories in France, solidifying his position as one of the most powerful monarchs of his time. Henry's reign was marked by significant legal reforms, the establishment of common law, and the development of a more organized system of royal justice, which laid the groundwork for modern legal practices. He was also known for his contentious relationship with Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, which culminated in Becket's assassination in 1170, further entrenching the complexities of church and state relations during his reign. Henry II's ambitious plans, including the expansion of his empire and the consolidation of power, ultimately set the stage for the Plantagenet dynasty's long-lasting impact on English history, influencing the political landscape for generations to come.
Henry II of Anjou became the first Plantagenet King of England in which year?
A) 1215
B) 1154
C) 1066
D) 1060
- 2. Which English monarch did Henry II succeed as king?
A) Stephen
B) Richard I
C) Edward III
D) Henry I
- 3. Henry II was born in which modern-day country?
A) Italy
B) Spain
C) Germany
D) France
- 4. Who was Henry II's wife?
A) Matilda of England
B) Eleanor of Aquitaine
C) Isabella of Angoulême
D) Anne Boleyn
- 5. Henry II was known for his conflict with which Archbishop of Canterbury?
A) Thomas Becket
B) Anselm of Canterbury
C) Ealdred
D) Lanfranc
- 6. In which famous conflict did Henry II's son, Richard the Lionheart, participate?
A) Third Crusade
B) Wars of the Roses
C) Battle of Hastings
D) Hundred Years' War
- 7. Which of the following was NOT a title held by Henry II?
A) Count of Anjou
B) Duke of Normandy
C) Lord of Ireland
D) Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
- 8. Which English city experienced a devastating fire during Henry II's reign in 1174?
A) York
B) Canterbury
C) Bath
D) London
- 9. Who was known as the 'Young King', the eldest son of Henry II?
A) Henry the Young King
B) William the Conqueror
C) Charles I
D) Edward I
- 10. Henry II's daughter Matilda was married to which Holy Roman Emperor?
A) Frederick II
B) Otto IV
C) Henry V
D) Richard the Lionheart
- 11. Henry II was succeeded by which of his sons as King of England?
A) Henry the Young King
B) Geoffrey
C) Richard I
D) John
- 12. Which Pope issued a papal bull in favor of Henry II during his conflict with Thomas Becket?
A) Innocent III
B) Urban II
C) Gregory VII
D) Alexander III
- 13. Henry II became ruler of which territory before becoming King of England?
A) Kingdom of Scotland
B) County of Flanders
C) Principality of Wales
D) Duchy of Normandy
- 14. Henry II is best known for the establishment of which legal system?
A) Common Law
B) Feudal Law
C) Canon Law
D) Roman Law
- 15. Henry II's reign saw the development of what important council system in England?
A) House of Lords
B) Parliament
C) Privy Council
D) Curia Regis
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