Henry II

"Henry II" by L. F. Salzman is a historical biography written in the early 20th century. It traces the life and reign of Henry II, from disputed succession and civil war to the consolidation of royal authority across England and its continental lands. The narrative balances campaigns in Wales and France with court politics, church-state conflict (notably with Thomas Becket), and the legal, fiscal, and social character of the realm.

The opening of the book follows the succession crisis after the White Ship disaster, Empress Maud’s claim, and her marriage to Geoffrey of Anjou, leading to the birth of Henry “Fitz-Empress.” It covers Stephen’s seizure of the throne, Henry’s precarious youth and first ventures in England, Geoffrey’s conquest of Normandy, and Henry’s decisive marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine before his negotiated path to the English crown. Once king, he restores order by dismissing mercenaries, demolishing unauthorized castles, reclaiming royal lands, and checking over-mighty barons, while shelving an Irish project despite papal favour. The narrative then turns to the hard Welsh campaigns (notably setbacks against Owain Gwynedd and Rhys ap Gruffudd) and to continental statecraft built on force and marriage alliances, including Becket’s dazzling embassy, the Vexin gained through a child-marriage, and truces with Louis VII. It culminates in the early phases of the Becket controversy: Thomas’s elevation to Canterbury, his break with royal policy, the collision over clerical jurisdiction and the Constitutions of Clarendon, his momentary capitulation and remorse, and the mounting royal pressure that leads to the stormy Northampton proceedings.