Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89 - 1 The…
Full specification wording
Paper 2, Option 2A.2: England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89 - 1 The restoration and extension of royal authority, 1154–72: England and the Angevin Empire in 1154: baronial power; declining royal revenues; the extent of Angevin lands overseas; the power of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
In 1154 Henry II inherited a kingdom where baronial power was entrenched: magnates controlled castles, local courts and armed retinues, often acting with little royal oversight.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In 1154 Henry II inherited a kingdom where baronial power was entrenched: magnates controlled castles, local courts and armed retinues, often acting with little royal oversight. Royal revenues had declined because royal lands were alienated, sheriffs and farmers paid fixed sums that lost value, and customary dues went uncollected. Overseas, the Angevin lands stretched from England through Normandy, Anjou, Maine and Touraine to Aquitaine, creating a cross-Channel empire with no single capital. Eleanor of Aquitaine, as duchess in her own right, brought the vast duchy and its resources; her political influence, patronage and independent authority made her a major power in the empire. Together these factors shaped the problems and opportunities Henry faced.
What earns the marks
- Explains that baronial power rested on control of castles, private courts and armed followings, which limited royal authority in the localities.
- Analyses why royal revenues declined: alienated crown lands, fixed farm payments eroded by inflation, and gaps in collecting customary dues such as danegeld and feudal incidents.
- Describes the extent of Angevin lands overseas, naming Normandy, Anjou, Maine, Touraine and Aquitaine, and explains the challenge of ruling a cross-Channel empire.
- Assesses the power of Eleanor of Aquitaine as duchess in her own right, noting her wealth, patronage, political role and potential for independent action.
- Links the four factors, showing how baronial power, weak revenues, scattered lands and Eleanor's authority combined to shape Henry II's task in 1154.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating baronial power as simply 'lawlessness' rather than a structured system of local lordship.
Put it right: Explain how castles, courts and retinues gave barons legitimate local authority that the king had to negotiate with.
Assuming royal revenues were low only because of waste.
Put it right: Identify structural causes such as alienated lands, fixed farms and uncollected dues.
Describing Eleanor of Aquitaine only as Henry's wife.
Put it right: Explain her independent status as duchess and her own political and territorial power.
Exam tips
- Use a map or mental map to place the Angevin lands, so you can discuss the practical problems of distance and divided loyalty.
- When analysing revenues, distinguish between income from crown lands, feudal incidents and customary taxes, and explain how each could decline.
- Support claims about Eleanor with specific reference to Aquitaine's size and wealth, and to her role in patronage and politics.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 2, Option 2A.2: England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89 - 1 The restoration and extension of royal authority, 1154–72: England and the Angevin Empire in 1154: baronial power; declining royal revenues; the extent of Angevin lands overseas; the power of Eleanor of Aquitaine. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which territory did Eleanor of Aquitaine bring to Henry II when they married in 1152, thereby extending Angevin lands overseas?
Listen
In 1154 Henry II inherited a kingdom where baronial power was entrenched: magnates controlled castles, local courts and armed retinues, often acting with little royal oversight. Royal revenues had declined because royal lands were alienated, sheriffs and farmers paid fixed sums that lost value, and customary dues went uncollected. Overseas, the Angevin lands stretched from England through Normandy, Anjou, Maine and Touraine to Aquitaine, creating a cross-Channel empire with no single capital. Eleanor of Aquitaine, as duchess in her own right, brought the vast duchy and its resources; her political influence, patronage and independent authority made her a major power in the empire. Together these factors shaped the problems and opportunities Henry faced. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains that baronial power rested on control of castles, private courts and armed followings, which limited royal authority in the localities. Analyses why royal revenues declined: alienated crown lands, fixed farm payments eroded by inflation, and gaps in collecting customary dues such as danegeld and feudal incidents. Describes the extent of Angevin lands overseas, naming Normandy, Anjou, Maine, Touraine and Aquitaine, and explains the challenge of ruling a cross-Channel empire. Assesses the power of Eleanor of Aquitaine as duchess in her own right, noting her wealth, patronage, political role and potential for independent action. A common slip: Treating baronial power as simply 'lawlessness' rather than a structured system of local lordship. Instead, explain how castles, courts and retinues gave barons legitimate local authority that the king had to negotiate with. Exam tip: Use a map or mental map to place the Angevin lands, so you can discuss the practical problems of distance and divided loyalty.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Baronial power
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Declining royal revenues
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Angevin lands overseas
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Eleanor of Aquitaine
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See every definition
- Baronial power
- Control by magnates of castles, local courts and armed retinues, often exercised with little royal oversight.
- Declining royal revenues
- A fall in royal income caused by alienated royal lands, fixed sums that lost value, and customary dues going uncollected.
- Angevin lands overseas
- Territories stretching from England through Normandy, Anjou, Maine and Touraine to Aquitaine, forming a cross-Channel empire with no single capital.
- Eleanor of Aquitaine
- Duchess in her own right who brought the vast duchy and its resources, with political influence, patronage and independent authority.
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