Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6): England (05 of 12): Henrie the Second
1577
Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6): England (05 of 12): Henrie the Second
1577
This is the raw Tudor history that fired Shakespeare's imagination. Raphael Holinshed's monumental chronicle, composed in the late 16th century, served as the principal source for many of Shakespeare's greatest plays, from the history tetralogies to Macbeth and King Lear. This volume covers the reign of Henry II, the first Plantagenet king, whose troubled reign witnessed the fiery confrontation with Thomas Becket, the martyrdom that would echo through English history, and the bitter rebellions of his own sons. Written in vigorous,议事 prose that alternates between battle chronicles and genealogical detail, Holinshed presents medieval England not as distant past but as living precedent for his Tudor contemporaries. Here you'll find the raw material before it was transmuted into drama: the political calculations, the church-state tensions, the violence that shaped a nation. For readers curious about where Shakespeare found his subjects, or those who want to hear Tudor voices narrating their own turbulent past, this chronicle remains indispensable.
About Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6): England (05 of 12): Henrie the Second
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Henry II becomes king at age 23, is crowned by Archbishop Theobald, and immediately works to restore order by expelling foreign mercenaries and destroying unauthorized castles built during Stephen's reign.
- 2
- Henry strengthens royal authority, deals with rebellious nobles, and begins his relationship with Thomas Becket as chancellor. His son William is born and dies young.
- 3
- Henry appoints Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury, but their friendship turns to bitter conflict over church privileges and royal authority, leading to the Constitutions of Clarendon.
Key Themes
- Royal Authority vs. Church Power
- The conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket represents the medieval struggle between secular and ecclesiastical authority, culminating in Becket's martyrdom.
- Family Betrayal and Filial Rebellion
- Henry's sons repeatedly rebel against him, supported by his enemies, showing how political ambition can destroy natural family bonds.
- Divine Justice and Retribution
- The chronicle suggests that Henry's troubles, particularly with his sons, are divine punishment for his sins, especially regarding Becket's death.
Characters
- Henry II(protagonist)
- King of England, second son of Geoffrey Plantagenet, who began his reign in 1154. A powerful ruler who expanded English dominions but faced rebellions from his own sons.
- Thomas Becket(major)
- Archbishop of Canterbury, formerly Henry's chancellor. Their conflict over church vs. royal authority led to Becket's murder in 1170, creating lasting controversy.
- Henry the Young King(major)
- Henry II's eldest son, crowned as co-king but rebelled against his father multiple times. Died young in 1183 during rebellion.
- Richard (Earl of Poitou)(major)
- Henry II's son, later Richard I. Skilled military commander who eventually turned against his father and allied with the French king.
- Eleanor of Aquitaine(major)
- Queen of England, Henry's wife who brought vast territories through marriage. Encouraged her sons' rebellions and was imprisoned by Henry.
- Louis VII of France(major)
- King of France, Henry's rival and former husband of Eleanor. Supported Henry's rebellious sons against him.
