Source A
Henry II designated his eldest son, the younger Henry, as the successor to Anjou, Normandy and
England, while Richard was granted Aquitaine and the fourth son, Geoff rey, was bequeathed Brittany.
Nevertheless, the king refused to relinquish any sovereignty to his heirs and, as they grew older, the
lack of independent authority gave cause for rebellion. At Queen Eleanor’s urging, Richard joined the
insurrection of his older brother. The rebels met in Paris at the court of Louis VII where a formidable
alliance was formed … resulting in the agreement to wage war against Henry II. In July 1173, the allies
invaded Normandy, where Richard gained his fi rst experience in battle. However, the attacks against
the Plantagenet crown were inconclusive and in September the monarch off ered to reconcile with his
sons, proposing generous fi nancial terms but no power. The off er was rejected and the confl ict renewed,
with Henry II taking the off ensive by mounting an assault against Anjou with a formidable army. As
his father succeeded in re-imposing his control over large sections of Poitou, Richard assumed his
fi rst independent command to resist his father’s attack … The revolt continued through the summer
as Richard’s military might deteriorated under the relentless pressure of the Plantagenet [Henry II’s]
counter-campaign. Finally, on 23 September 1174, at Poitiers he agreed to peace terms, accepting a
reduced fi nancial settlement and renewing his homage for Aquitaine.
Question
1. (a) What, according to Source A, were the actions taken by Richard I against Henry II? [3]
(b) What does Source B suggest about the nature of medieval leadership? [2]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans
1. (a)What, according to source A, were the actions taken by Richard I against Henry II? [3]
•Richard joined the insurrection of the younger Henry against their father.
•Richard participated in the alliance that was formed with Louis VII.
•As Henry II began to reassert control, Richard commanded a force to repel him.
•Richard rejected Henry II’s offer of reconciliation.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [3].
(b)What does Source B suggest about the nature of medieval leadership?[2]
•Royal authority was important.
•Religion was important.
•There could be rival contenders for leadership.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive
Source B Matthew Paris, an English chronicler and artist, depicts Henry II (left),
Richard I (right) and the younger Henry (in the middle), in the book
English History (1250).
Question
2. With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value and limitations of
Source C for an historian studying the revolt of Richard I and his brothers against Henry II
between 1173 and 1174.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans
Value:
•The source was written by an historian who was contextualizing the revolt as part of a chronicle.
•It is a near contemporary account of the revolt against Henry II.
•It provides information about the performance of European leaders and their alliances.
Limitations:
•It relies on the accounts of (unknown) others.
•The tone of the source is critical of the actions of the king’s sons and it may be inferred from thisthat the author is loyal to Henry II.
•Given the broad nature of the source (it is a book on English history), the information regardingthe revolt may be limited in scope and detail.
The focus of the question is on the value and limitations of the source. If only value or limitations are discussed, award a maximum of [2]. Origins, purpose and content should be used as supporting evidence to make relevant comments on the values and limitations. For [4] there must be at least one reference to each of them in either the values or the limitations.
Source C
The younger Henry, by the advice of the French, devising evil from every source against his father, went
secretly into Aquitaine, where his two brothers, Richard and Geoffrey, resided with their mother; and with
her connivance [plotting], brought them with him into France. Their father had granted Aquitaine to one
and Brittany to the other. Hence the younger Henry believed, from the suggestions of the French, that
the people of Aquitaine and Brittany would, because of Richard, support him as would the Bretons under
Geoffrey. The younger Henry also allied himself to the count of Flanders—a man of great power and
immoderate presumption [arrogance]. The younger Henry gained the count’s support by making great
promises with the consent of the king of France [Louis VII]. Then many powerful and noble persons—
in England and in foreign parts—driven by hatred, which until then they had hidden, or persuaded by
promises of the vainest kind, began by degrees to desert the father for the son, and to make every
preparation for war.
Question
3. Compare and contrast what Sources A and D reveal about the revolt against Henry II. [6]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans
3. Comparisons:
•Both sources suggest that Henry II’s reluctance to share power with his sons led to conflict.
•Both sources refer to the role of Eleanor.
•Both sources refer to the role of Louis VII.
Contrasts:
•Source D states that Louis VII encouraged the revolt against Henry II and mismanaged therisings whereas Source A suggests a more limited role for the French monarch in the rebellion.
•Source A claims Henry II’s main support was the army whereas Source D suggests support wasmore widespread and included the Church, great officials, and much of the population.
•Source A states that Richard agreed to make peace with his father, accepting a reducedfinancial settlement, whereas Source D claims Henry II increased the revenues for his sons after the rebellion.
Source D
Henry, it was said, could rule every household but his own. His sons grew up discontented and hostile
towards him … Henry was partly to blame. As a parent, he was indulgent yet controlling, giving his
sons titles but little money or power, he sent them to represent him in various parts of his dominions
but expected them to be as obedient as paid officials … The three older brothers, encouraged by their
mother Eleanor, were eager to revolt against their father …
Louis VII of France also encouraged Henry’s sons to revolt. The great rebellion of 1173–1174, which
included risings in England, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine, was managed—or, rather, mismanaged—
by Louis. The widespread nature of the revolt made it dangerous. But Henry was supported by the
Church, by his great officials, by the smaller tenants in the country, and by the towns. [Also,] his sons
were too young to lead so extensive an enterprise, Louis was incompetent and there was little overall
planning. Hence, the revolt was put down, as it had arisen, gradually. Louis was driven back to Paris,
an invasion of England from Flanders was defeated and Eleanor was captured. Henry forgave his sons
and increased their revenues.
Question
4. Using the sources and your own knowledge, discuss the view that Henry II’s insistence on
retaining power was the main reason for the revolt of 1173 to 1174. [9]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans
4. Indicative content
Source A The source states that Henry II’s reluctance to relinquish sovereignty to his heirs was the cause of the rebellion. Another reason for revolt was that the brothers had the support of powerful allies such as Eleanor and Louis VII.
Source B The crowns indicate they all had royal status and this could lead to political tensions. It may be inferred that Henry the Young King (Henry Junior) was marginalized.
Source C The source apportions great responsibility for the revolt to the French, whose advice provoked the brothers’ revolt. It states that many powerful and noble men joined the ranks of the younger Henry encouraged by promises made by Louis VII.
Source D The source indicates that Henry’s refusal to share power contributed to the revolt. However, it also refers to the influence of both Eleanor of Aquitaine and the king of France.
Own knowledge Candidates may support the statement by referring to the grievances caused by the reluctance of Henry II to give up the throne and/or the difficult position of the younger Henry, who was crowned king but had no real power. They may also offer material on the discontent within the Angevin Commonwealth regarding Henry II’s new legislation on landholdings. Candidates may also refer to the impact of Thomas Becket’s death on the royal image.
Candidates may challenge the statement and focus on other factors. These may include the fact that Henry II’s sons lacked financial resources and/or the difficulties faced by Geoffrey, who was unmarried and without clear right to lands. Further details on the alliances between the younger Henry and William I of Scotland, as well as with other counts, may be offered. Candidates may refer to the younger Henry’s anger at some of his castles being transferred to John. Ultimately, candidates may argue that competition for power was a continuous factor in medieval politics.