One of the pivotal figures in Medieval history, King Henry II centralised royal power, instituted legal reforms and established common law. His marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine expanded his influence, as he became the ruler of a far-reaching European empire. But his demise was just as dramatic as his ascendancy.
In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis tells the story of Henry’s rise to power and his fall brought about by his catastrophic relationship with Thomas Becket and his feud with his sons, including the future Richard the Lionheart and King John.
This episode was edited and mixed by Ella Blaxill and produced by Rob Weinberg.
Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.
You can take part in our listener survey here.
The Sword & Its Cultural Significance
Sex: The Medieval Rules
Æthelstan: First King of the English
Eleanor of Castile
Magna Carta
Medieval Booze with Eleanor Janega
England's First Female Sheriff: Nicholaa de la Haye
How to Survive Plague and War in the Middle Ages
Lost Vikings of Greenland
Wars of the Roses: Jack Cade's Rebellion Explained
Beowulf
How To Dress in the Middle Ages
Medieval Eastern Europe
Garter Knights & Kings' Graves: St George's Chapel, Windsor
Medieval Comedy: Minstrels
Time Team's Tony Robinson: A Life in History
Ragnar Lothbrok: The Viking Legend
The Crusades and Ireland
Medieval Trans Saints & Sex Workers
Marco Polo
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Ancients
Not Just the Tudors
Dan Snow’s History Hit
American History Hit
History Extra podcast