THE PLANTAGENETS

THE PLANTAGENETS

from Henry II to Edward I

HENRY II

1154-1189

RICHARD I

1189-1199

JHON

1199-1216

HENRY III

1216-1272

EDWARD I

1272-1307

Henry III: The King Who Faced Rebellion

Henry III became king as a child, with his reign initially dominated by regents. He later faced opposition due to his extravagant spending and reliance on foreign advisors. This led to the Second Barons’ War (1264–1267), led by Simon de Montfort, who temporarily took control of England. Montfort established an early form of Parliament, inviting commoners for the first time in 1265. Henry eventually regained power, and his son Edward played a key role in restoring royal authority.

Edward I: The Warrior King

Edward I was a strong and ambitious ruler known for his military campaigns. He conquered Wales, building impressive castles to solidify control, and attempted to subjugate Scotland, defeating William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk (1298). He also reformed government and strengthened Parliament, making it a more permanent institution. His reign laid the foundations for England’s later conflicts with Scotland.

Richard I "the Lionheart"

Richard I is famous for his military prowess and participation in the Third Crusade (1189–1192), where he fought against Saladin. He spent little time in England, and his reign was costly due to war and ransom payments after he was captured in Austria. He died in battle in 1199, leaving no direct heir.

KING JHON: TYRANT OR REFORMER?

King John is best known for losing most of England’s French territories, including Normandy, to King Philip II of France. His reign saw increasing tensions with his barons, culminating in the Magna Carta in 1215, a document that limited the king’s power and established the principle that rulers were subject to the law. John’s refusal to fully abide by it led to the First Barons’ War, and he died in 1216 during the conflict.

HENRY II: THE FOUNDER OF ENGLISH COMMON LAW

Henry II (1154–1189) strengthened royal authority and reformed England’s legal system, laying the foundation for common law. His reign was marked by conflicts, including the murder of Thomas Becket and rebellions by his own sons. He also controlled vast territories in France but struggled to maintain stability in his later years.