# Henry II becomes king (1154)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1154-henry-ii-becomes-king
Categories: ruler-change, main-event

Henry of Anjou succeeded Stephen and founded the Angevin, or Plantagenet, dynasty. Within the broader Norman & Angevin Britain period, Norman conquest, cross-Channel lordship and royal reform created a new aristocracy and a more centralized monarchy. This event is placed at 1154 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. His vast continental possessions and energetic government reshaped English monarchy.

## Why it matters
His vast continental possessions and energetic government reshaped English monarchy.

Ruler at the time: [Henry II](https://english-history.com/rulers/henry-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Henry II becomes king](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Henry+II+becomes+king&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Henry II becomes king](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Henry+II+becomes+king)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281000%E2%80%931499%29)
- [The National Archives — medieval education resources](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/)