The Middle Ages
Years 1154-1485
Henry I was the first unquestioned ruler. One of the most important kings in the Middle Ages.
He had lands in Britain & France. Then the government was the monarch, a person, not a
place. He had more land than any pervious king. After his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine,
he also ruled the lands south of Anjou. His empire stretched from the Scottish border to the
Pyrenees. England provided most of its wealth, but the heart was Anjou.
Henry II began to regain royal control. During the war some barons had become very
powerful. He pulled down some of their castles. He tried to restore law & order. He wanted
the same kind of justice to be used everywhere. He appointed his own judges to travel around
the country. They dealt with crimes & disagreements over poverty.
Serious offences were tried in the king's court. At first they had no special knowledge or
training. They were trusted to use common se...
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