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Introduction
Year Zero
Norman England
Angevin England
Contents - Angevin England
Out of the shadows…
The twelfth century renaissance
After all these years it wasn't enough to be Roman any more. Learning and ambition pushed the boundaries onwards, upwards and outwards to leave a mark that would last centuries, even until today. This was the modern world.
The Great and Terrible
Henry II
He might just have been England's greatest king despite, or perhaps because, he was also duke, count and lord of all from Ireland to the Pyrennes. Ruled for thirty-five years; remembered for just one night.
Can an archdeacon be saved?
Thomas Becket
Clerk, chancellor, archbishop, exile, martyr and saint. Thomas went for being everything Henry II wanted to being the last thing that he needed. He died for no good reason, but what was he living for?
To be glorious in both seasons
From the king to the Crown
Henry II's reign laid the groundwork for government and law that would last for centuries. The people responsible even described how it worked for us. Beyond the battles, intrigue and pageantry, what did a king have to do?
The Devil is loosed
Richard I
Almost the king who wasn't there. Crusader, general, living legend, Richard's ten year reign blazed bright in Christendom and beyond. For some people, he was the worst king we ever had.