Migrations, Empires and People

Norman Invasion/Battle of Hasting

1066

William of Normandy secures the throne of England

Williams Throne is Disputed

1106

When William dies, his two older sons disputed over the crown. However William's third youngest son united the kingdom under his control

Empress Matilda and Civil War

1135

Henry I looses his only son in a shipwreck in 1120. before he died in 1135, he named his daughter, Matilda, as his successor. She was challenged for her throne by her cousin Stephen and Put England into a period of chaos and Civil War in England known as 'The Anarchy'.

Henry II Reign and Reform

1154

After decades of civil war, Henry II attempts to unify England and assert his own monarchial authority. He reformed the Justice system and led a successful campaign for conquest in Ireland. His Angevin Empire was the largest of all English kingdoms and had the title of ruler over more French provinces than the French King. He died in 1189

Truce Between Matilda and Stephen

1154

Before Henry I died he had secured a vital marriage between Matilda and Count Geoffrey of Anjou. As civil war dragged on in England, Geoffrey conquered Normandy. To end the dispute Geoffrey and Matilda agreed that Geoffrey will be king until his death but with Henry II of Anjou (Geoffrey's and Matilda's son) as his successor

Henry II

1154

Matilda's son, Henry II becomes the first Angevin King of England, Normandy, Anjou and Aquitane

Irish Conquests and Treaties

1171

Ireland was divided into separate kingdoms in the 12th century which had a High King ruling over these kingdoms. Henry II wanted Angevin rule over Ireland, and in 1155, when the only English Pope (Adrian IV) gave Henry the Authority to take over Ireland, he launched a campaign of conquest. Henry built castles and fortified his rule in Ireland for 6 months. In 1175, he signed the treaty of Windsor, which saw the High King of Ireland pay homage to Henry, giving him control over Irish Territory.