Henry II rose to power through blood and conflict—and his reign was even more dramatic.


Few people outside of experienced English history buffs are familiar with the name Henry II. Despite rising to power through blood and conflict, and then proceeding to reign in the same manner as he had started, many people forget Henry II. His ruthlessness expanded England’s power well into France’s borders, and it caused Henry problems when he passed that same trait on to his power-hungry sons. Henry II shaped not just England but Wales, Scotland, Brittany, and Ireland. He became the man with a plan—and only his sons could stop his rampage across Europe.