Henry II AD 1154-1189 Silver Tealby Penny Canterbury

Henry II AD 1154-1189 Silver Tealby Penny Class E

Crowned bust facing. Jewelled collar/Cross and Crosslets

Canterbury / Ricard

S1341, 18mm, 1.40g

Comes with previous collectors label

Henry was the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty which was to rule England for over 300 years. He was the son of the Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I, and Geoffrey of Anjou. When Stephen became king after the death of Henry Matilda had tried to claim the English throne and plunged the country into a Civil War. When peace was eventually restored It was agreed that Henry would succeed Stephen as king which he did in AD 1154.
Henry was an extremely energetic and capable ruler who restored and united the country after the ravages of the Civil War. He established English Common Law setting up trial by juries. He restored prosperity and his reign ushered in a period of peace. In addition to his English kingdom he also ruled extensive lands in France and as a result became one of the most powerful monarchs in Europe. Henry is perhaps best known for his feud with Thomas a Becket who was the Archbishop of Canterbury and one of Henry’s main advisers during the early part of his reign. The feud was primarily over the role of the Church which had lost power due to Henry’s legal reforms. Eventually Henry in a rage declared that he wanted to be rid of this turbulent priest. 4 knights then went to Canterbury and killed Becket. Devastated by what had happened Henry paid a pilgrimage to Canterbury where he was publicly flogged.
Henry married Eleanor of Aquitaine with whom he had 5 sons. Whilst one son was to die as a baby but 2 others eventually were to be crowned Kings of England. When Henry fell seriously ill in AD 1170 he divided up his empire between his children although he retained overall control. Losing patience his 4 remaining sons, as well as his wife Eleanor, all rebelled against him plunging his French provinces into a Civil War. Although all were to be defeated by Henry, at least until just before he died Henry pardoned them although he did have his wife Eleanor locked up. Henry also had many illegitimate children one of whom became Archbishop of York whilst another became Earl of Salisbury.
There were 2 issues of coinage during Henry’s reign. The first issue was the Cross and Crosslets or Tealby silver penny. Around AD 1180 the Short Cross penny was issued.