Fitzempress Collection

King Henry II doing penance at the tomb of Thomas a Becket, Canterbury Cathedral
King Henry II (1133-1189) doing penance at the tomb of Thomas a Becket. Henry ruled as King of England from 1154 to 1189. He was the first Plantagenet (or Angevin) King

Henry II, 1856. Artist: Alfred Crowquill
Henry II, 1856. From Alfred Crowquills Comic History of the Kings and Queens of England - From William the Conqueror to the Present Time. [Read & Co. London, 1856]

Henry and Stephen confer across the Thames, 1153 (1864). Artist: James William Edmund Doyle
Henry and Stephen confer across the Thames, 1864. Henry of Anjou, Henry II (5 March 1133 - 6 July 1189), and King Stephen, (1135-1154) confer across the Thames, 1153 at Wallingford

Two scenes from the Chronique de St Denis, late 14th century. The left-hand scene depicts the Marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII of France, 1137

Dover Castle, c1870. 12th century medieval castle in Dover, Kent developed during the reign of Henry II. From " Picturesque Europe - The British Isles, Vol. I"

London Bridge, 1694, 1872. Creator: Gustave Doré
London Bridge, 1694, 1872. " Old" London Bridge (1209-1831) commissioned by Henry II, the last tenant on the bridge left in 1762

Transept of the Martyrdom, Canterbury Cathedral, 1890. Creator: Unknown
Transept of the Martyrdom, Canterbury Cathedral, 1890. In the north west transept of Canterbury Cathedral and area known as the Martyrdom

Henry II serving the first dish to his son Henrys table, 1773. Creator: Unknown
Henry II serving the first dish to his son Henrys table, 1773. Henry II serves at the table of his son Young Henry after his Coronation by the Archbishop of York in 1169

Henry II of England authorizes Dermot MacMorrough to levy forces, 1170 (1864). Artist
Henry II of England authorizes Dermod MacMorrough to levy forces, 1170 (1864). Henry II (1133-1189), the first Plantagenet king of England, ruled from 1154

Henry of Anjou and Stephen confer across the Thames, 1153 (1864). Henry of Anjou (1133-1189) and Stephen of Blois (1096-1154)

Henry II, 1935. Henry II, King of England, c1860. Henry II (1133-89), the first Plantagenet king of England, ruled from 1154. From Kings & Queens of England - A Series of 50

A Woman of the Time of Henry II, 1907. Artist: Dion Clayton Calthrop
A Woman of the Time of Henry II, 1907. From English Costume, painted and described by Dion Clayton Calthrop. [Adam & Charles Black, London, 1907]

A Man of the Time of Henry II, 1907. Artist: Dion Clayton Calthrop
A Man of the Time of Henry II, 1907. From English Costume, painted and described by Dion Clayton Calthrop. [Adam & Charles Black, London, 1907]

Henry at Waterford, 1171 (1864). Artist: James William Edmund Doyle
Henry at Waterford, 1864. The Norman invasion of Ireland took place in stages during the late 12th century. This military intervention had the backing of King Henry II of England

Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of Henry II of England. Eleanor (1122-1204) was one of the most powerful figures in 12th century Europe

A Norman Knight, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
A Norman Knight, c1860, (c1860). From The Comic History of England, Volume I, by Gilbert A A Beckett. [Bradbury, Agnew, & Co. London]

Henry II. dismissing the Foreign Barons, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
Henry II. dismissing the Foreign Barons, c1860, (c1860). After taking the English throne, Henry II (1133-1189) dispensed with men who had been made Earls and Barons under King Stephen (c1092-1154)

King Henry the Second serving the first Dish to the Table of his Son, c1787
King Henry the Second serving the first Dish to the Table of his Son Henry after the Coronation by the Bishops of York, Durham and London, c1787

Henry II, (1133-1189), c1787. aAso known as Henry Curtmantle, Henry FitzEmpress or Henry Plantagenet, ruled as King of England (1154-89). He was an energetic and sometimes ruthless ruler

King Henry II, 1793. From Ashburtons History of England, by Charles Alfred Ashburton. [W. & J. Stratford, High Holborn, London, 1793]

Henry II, after having his son crowned king, serving the first dish to his table, 1170 (1793). From Ashburtons History of England, by Charles Alfred Ashburton. [W. & J

Portraits and Dresses of The Kings of England with coats of Arms, 1784
Portraits and Dresses of The Kings of England with coats of Arms.Henry II, Richard I, John, Henry III. Spencers New History of England, 1784

Thomas a Becket, taken from a series of cigarette cards, 1935
Thomas a Becket. Based on an ancient painting in Canterbury Cathedral. Taken from a series of cigarette cards entitled Celebrities of British History produced by Carreas Ltd, 1935

The seal of King Henry II of England, 12th century. From the original in the British Museum

King Henry II, 1789. From Harrisons Edition of Rapins History of England, by Paul Rapin de Thoyras. [John Harrison, London, 1789]

King Richard I beside the dead body of his father, King Henry II, 1189
King Richard I (1157-1199) beside the dead body of his father, King Henry II (1154-1189), 1189. Richard was King of England from 1189 to 1199

King Henry II (1133-1189), 1793. Artist: Saunders
King Henry II (1133-1189), 1793. Henry is seen here after having his son crowned king and serving the first dish to his table. Henry ruled as King of England from 1154 to 1189

Penance of Henry before the shrine of Thomas a Becket
King Henry II (1133-1189) doing penance before the shrine of Thomas a Becket. Henry ruled as King of England from 1154 to 1189. He was the first Plantagenet (or Angevin) King

The monument of King Henry II and Richard I at Fontevrault in Anjou, 1786. Artist: Goldar
The monument of King Henry II and Richard I at Fontevrault in Anjou, 1786. Henry II (1133-1189) was the first Angevin king of England, ruling from 1154

Meeting of Stephen and Prince Henry at Wallingford, Oxfordshire, 1153. The middle of the 12th century in England was dominated by a civil war between the rival claimants to the throne, Matilda

The dominions of the Angevins, 1892. The territiories ruled by Henry II of England and his successors, Richard I and John

Thomas a Beckets grand Entry into London... 12th century, (19th century)
Thomas a Beckets grand Entry into London, attended by the Knights, Templars, Bishops etc 12th century, (19th century)

The Life of Thomas Becket, (1801). Artist: Joseph Strutt
The Life of Thomas Becket, (1801). Scenes from the life of St Thomas a Becket (1120-1170). Reconciliation with Henry II; Thomas returns to England; News of Knights

Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou, c 1150-1155 (1924). Geoffrey (1113-1151) was the father of King Henry II of England. From an enamelled funerary plaque in the Tesse museum in Le Mans

Effigy of King Henry II, 12th century, (1910). Henrys (1133-1189) tomb effigy from the Abbey of Fontevrault in Aquitaine near Anjou

King Henry II. Henry II of England (1133-1189) ruled as Count of Anjou, Duke of Normandy, and as King of England (1154-1189) and, at various times, controlled parts of Wales, Scotland

Portchester Castle, Hampshire, England, 20th century. Artist: CM Dixon
Portchester Castle, Hampshire, England, 20th century. Medieval castle built within a former Roman fort at Portchester, by Henry II in 1160-1172 extended by Edward II and Richard II

Henry II, King of England, c1860. Henry II (1133-89), the first Plantagenet king of England, ruled from 1154. Here Henry is authorising Dermot MacMorrough, banished king of Leinster

Henry II, king of England, c1900. Henry II (1138-1189), the first Plantagenet king of England reigned from 1154

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"Fitzempress: The Reign of Eleanor, Queen of Henry II" Step back in time to the captivating era of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the formidable Queen who stood by King Henry II's side. Their tumultuous relationship and powerful alliance shaped the course of history. Witness King Henry II's penance at the tomb of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, a poignant moment that reflects his complex role as both ruler and penitent. Alfred Crowquill's evocative artwork brings this scene to life. Immerse yourself in the political intrigue as you observe Henry and Stephen conferring across the Thames in 1153. James William Edmund Doyle's masterful depiction transports us to a pivotal moment during their negotiations for peace. Travel further back in time with scenes from the late 14th-century Chronique de St Denis, offering glimpses into medieval life under Henry II's reign. These vivid illustrations provide fascinating insights into courtly rituals and daily existence. Marvel at Dover Castle, an imposing fortress that guarded England's shores throughout Henry II's reign. Its majestic presence symbolizes his determination to protect his kingdom from external threats. London Bridge stands as a testament to England's growing prosperity during this period. Gustave Doré captures its transformation over centuries, showcasing how it served as a vital link between London and its surrounding regions. Explore Canterbury Cathedral’s Transept of Martyrdom, where Thomas a Becket met his tragic fate. This haunting image reminds us of the tensions that existed between church and state during Henry II’s rule. Delve deeper into historical records with portraits depicting different facets of King Henry II’s personality – from Charles Grignion’s regal representation to an unknown artist capturing him serving his son at table. Each portrait offers unique glimpses into this enigmatic monarch’s character. Finally, stand within Transept of Martyrdom itself through Unknown artist renditions from 1890 and 1898.