2016-12-19 Mon

“Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?”

Today Henry Plantagenet was coroneted on the throne of England as King Henry II. The above outburst of Henry II on December 1170 AD resulted in the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury by four Knights. This event led to the creation of one of the most popular cults in England which remained for three centuries.

King Henry II was born in 1133 AD to Geoffrey of Anjou and Matilda, daughter of King Henry I of England. He is said to be the most effective monarchs to wear the English crown. From 1150-1151 AD, Henry II was a ruler of Normandy and Anjou. In 1153 AD he sailed to England to claim his right on the Throne of England and succeeded King Stephen upon his death in 1154 AD. He was the first King of Plantagenet dynasty.

This silver penny of King Henry II belongs to the short-cross penny coinage. These coins were introduced because though the previous Tealby coinage was acceptable, the quality of silver and its weight was dreadful. The short cross penny remained unaltered till 1247 which gave the state a sense of stability.

The obverse side of the silver penny depicts the bust of the King within a circle and legend reads “HENRICUS REX” which means ‘King Henry’. The reverse side depicts the short-cross within the dotted circle and outer legend reads the name of moneyer and mint “Oslac of Worcester”. The reduction in a number of minting the coin improved the quality control of silver penny.

Henry II reorganised the judicial system and with the Assize of Clarendon (1166), established procedures for criminal justice. He also created courts and prisons for those awaiting trial. In addition, the assizes gave fast and clear verdicts, enriched the treasury and extended royal control.

However, there were problems within his family. His sons rebelled against him which later became the cause of serious family disputes in 1173, 1181 and 1184 AD. This resulted in his death on 6th July 1189 AD.