King Henry II of England

King Henry II of England (1133–1189) was a powerful medieval monarch known for strengthening royal authority. He established reforms in law, creating a more centralized legal system, including the development of common law. Henry expanded England's territory through marriage and military campaigns, notably controlling much of France. His reign was marked by conflicts with the church, especially with Archbishop Thomas Becket, which highlighted tensions between secular and ecclesiastical power. Despite these struggles, Henry's governance laid foundations for modern legal and governmental systems, making him a significant figure in medieval England's history.