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The most decisive reign in the English Middle Ages.' Discuss this view of the period 1154-1189.
To what extent was the work of Henry II conditioned by events in the reign of Stephen ?
Examine the significance of the use of mercenary soldiers by English kings in the twelfth century.
'No great ruler of an empire, but an administrator of genius.' Is this the real importance of Henry II in English history ?
'A crowned lawyer'. Consider this judgment on Henry II.
'Henry II created a new basis for the royal power.' Discuss.
'The better administration of justice lay at the roots of his system.' Do you accept this view of Henry II's government of England.
What type of Exchequer is revealed by the Dialogus and the Pipe Rolls.
How many of the developments of his reign may be explained by the proposition that Henry II was more concerned with his French dominions than his English ones ?
"The accession of Henry II sealed the fate of baronial autonomy." Discuss.
What were the main problems facing the House of Anjou in England? Were they solved?
"The most decisive period of the Middle Ages." Discuss this view of the reign of Henry II.
Consider the effects of (a) Henry II's introduction of new legal procedures, and (b) his acquisition of a continental empire, upon the development of medieval England.
"His achievements were conditioned by three circumstances: the experiences of his youth, the intellectual temper of his age, and the problems of ruling a scattered empire." Discuss this judgment on Henry II.
Did twelfth century England see a revolution in government ?
Why did Henry II revolutionise the land law ?
Examine the significance of the legal defence of hereditary tenure in twelfth England.
"The chief enigma of the Angevin period is the inordinate strength of royal power under Henry II and his sons." Comment.
Account for the flourishing of town life in twelfth century England.
What is revealed about the Exchequer by the Dialogus de Scaccario and the Pipe Rolls?
Was the dispute between Henry II and Beckett anything more than a clash of personalities ?
In what respects was Becket's opposition to Henry II exceptional in Church State relations in the twelfth century ?
Attempt a brief justification of the attitudes of both Henry II and Beckett in the quarrel which led to the latter's death.
Was Beckett justified in opposing Henry II ?
"The death of Beckett was a greater tragedy for the English State than for the English Church." Comment.
How far was England affected by the Renaissance of the twelfth century ?
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JSI/21/08/97
School of History and Welsh History - University of Wales Bangor