Henry II, the first Plantagenet king of England, ascended to the throne in 1154, marking a significant turning point in English history. His reign was characterized by numerous impactful events. Henry II established the Angevin Empire, which comprised England, Normandy, Anjou, and much of Western France, making him one of the most powerful rulers in Europe. His legal reforms, including the Assize of Clarendon, aimed to strengthen the royal authority and standardize legal procedures, leaving a lasting impact on the English justice system. Additionally, Henry II clashed with the powerful archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, over the limits of ecclesiastical authority, leading to Becket's assassination in 1170, an event that had profound consequences for the relationship between the monarchy and the Church.
