Henry II: position and personality- the creation and expansion of the Angevin empire

Inherited Normandy-Anjou, marriage made him acquire around half of France - known today as 'Angevin Empire'. Also had claims of overlordship over areas such as Brittany
Henry II absent from England for long periods of time & drained resources in order to maintain empire
Chose two justiciars to be in charge of royal administration in his absence (Richard de Lucy 'the loyal' and Robet Beaumont, Earl of Leicester)
Appointed Thomas Beckett (Archdeacon at the time) as chancellor
Dealt with disruptive barons by expelling his flemish mercenaries and demolishing illegal castles
Marched on hostile barons such as William le Gros, earl of York and Hugh Mortimer - exiled Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester (brother of Steven) who virtually ruled Hampshire
First year spent hearing cases disputing rights and lands

Government

Chose two justiciars to be in charge of royal administration in his absence (Richard de Lucy 'the loyal' and Robet Beaumont, Earl of Leicester)

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