Monarch
Henry II (reigned 1154–1189)
Henry II was a powerful Plantagenet king who strengthened royal authority, reformed English law, and became entangled in a fatal conflict with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Legal Reforms and Common Law
Henry II made significant changes to the legal system that laid the foundations for English common law. He sent travelling judges — known as circuit judges — around the country to hear cases, rather than having all disputes settled by local lords or the Church. This helped create a more consistent system of justice across England.
Henry also developed the use of juries. Rather than relying solely on trial by combat or ordeal, local people were asked to give evidence about crimes in their area. This was an early step towards the modern jury system.
The Murder of Thomas Becket
Henry II clashed repeatedly with Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, over the relative powers of Church and state. Henry wanted the Church courts to be brought under royal authority, but Becket resisted.
In 1170 Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights who believed they were acting on the king's wishes. Henry had reportedly expressed his frustration with Becket, saying something to the effect of "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?" — though whether he meant this as an order remains disputed.
The murder caused outrage across Europe. Becket was declared a saint by the Pope in 1173, and Canterbury Cathedral became a major site of Christian pilgrimage.
Key facts for the test
- • Henry II reigned from 1154 to 1189
- • He introduced travelling (circuit) judges to hear cases across England
- • He helped develop the use of juries — an early form of the modern system
- • These reforms helped establish English common law
- • Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170
- • Becket was made a saint in 1173 and Canterbury became a major pilgrimage site