General Notes

FitzEmpress, Henry II Curtmantle, King of England : Henry II was King of England from 1135-1154. His titles included Duke of Normandy, Count of Brittany, Count of Anjou, Duke of Aquitaine. He ruled an empire that stretched from the Tweed to the
Pyrenees. In spite of frequent hostitilties with the French King his own
family and rebellious Barons (culminating in the great revolt of 1173-74) and
his quarrel with Thomas Becket, Henry maintained control over his possessions
until shortly before his death. His judicial and administrative reforms which
increased Royal control and influence at the expense of the Barons were of
great constitutional importance. Introduced trial by Jury. During his 35 year rule he created the Angevin empire which covered much of France and the British Isles. His success made him one of the most powerful rulers of medieval English kings and European monarchs. "The Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages" Norman F. Cantor, General Editor.