King Henry II
(1133-1189), Reigned 1154-89Sitter associated with 22 portraits
The first of the House of Plantagenet to rule England. The grandson of Henry I through his daughter Matilda, Henry invaded England in 1153 and under pressure from public opinion and the death of his heir King Stephen was forced to name Henry as his successor. He was crowned Henry II in 1154 and after years of civil war and unstable government he was quick to restore order with the aid of his talented chancellor Thomas Beckett. Domestic rivalries between Henry's four sons proved more difficult to combat. Their wrangling - culminating in a great rebellion against their father in 1173 - is said to have hounded Henry to a premature death.
by Unknown artist
oil on panel, 1597-1618
NPG 4980(4)
'The Kings and Queens of England: From the Conquest to Queen Victoria'
by Henry Hering
albumen carte-de-visite photomontage, 1862
NPG Ax131392
after Unknown artist
woodcut, perhaps 17th century
NPG D23971
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, originally published 1618
NPG D9381
by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, published 1638
NPG D9380
King Stephen; King Henry II (fictitious portraits)
probably by William Faithorne, published by Sir Robert Peake
line engraving, circa 1640
NPG D22801
published by Sir Robert Peake, probably after William Faithorne
etching, early 1640s
NPG D21017
King Henry II; King Richard I ('the Lionheart'); King John; King Henry III
after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1677
NPG D34136
by Peter Vanderbank (Vandrebanc), after Edward Lutterell (Luttrell)
line engraving, possibly early 18th century
NPG D23628
after Unknown artist
line engraving, possibly 18th century
NPG D23629
after Unknown artist
etching, 18th century
NPG D42449
by Unknown artist
etching, early 18th century
NPG D20195
The Sovereigns of England, part 1
by John Carwitham, printed and published by Richard Caldwell, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, circa 1723-1741
NPG D34141
by George Vertue
line engraving, mid 18th century
NPG D23630
by George Vertue
line engraving, engraved 1734
NPG D20021
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1745
NPG D23627
King Henry II and Thomas Becket
by Joseph Strutt, after Unknown artist
etching, late 18th century
NPG D42450
by L. How, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1789
NPG D9379
by Charles Alfred Stothard
coloured lithograph, published 1818 (1816)
NPG D9382
'Statues in St Stephen's Hall and the Central Hall', New Palace of Westminster
published by Illustrated London News
wood engraving, published 4 February 1854
NPG D47366
Related People
- Eleanor of Aquitaine (wife)
- Eleanor of Castile (daughter)
- Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou (father)
- King Henry I (grandfather)
- King John (son)
- King Richard I ('the Lionheart') (son)
- Matilda, Duchess of Saxony and Bavaria (daughter)
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