The History of England 39 Ruling the Angevin Empire
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Oct 30, 2011 Explore the complex reign of Henry II, a ruler marked as both a tyrant and a capable king. Discover how he transformed administration with a professional royal system and improved tax collection. Delve into the intricacies of the Angevin Empire's governance and the significance of strategic locations. Anecdotes reveal the personal side of kingship, while insights into travel and economic innovations paint a vivid picture of the era. The journey through history is as enlightening as it is entertaining!
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Personality As A Political Tool
- Henry II combined personal authority with ruthless control to manage a vast, diverse empire.
- His volatile personality and visible presence were intentional tools to keep powerful barons off balance.
Hugh Of Avalon’s Risky Joke
- Bishop Hugh of Avalon provoked Henry by publicly insulting his ancestry and almost caused a fatal breach in courtly decorum.
- Henry's sudden laughter defused the moment and revealed how personal interactions shaped royal favour.
A Mobile Government Machinery
- The king's household was fully mobile and the administration travelled with him as the core of governance.
- This personal, itinerant model made presence and relationships the central mechanisms of rule.
