Source A

Philip Potter, an author of popular history books, writing in the book Gothic Kings of Britain: The lives of 31 Medieval Rulers, 1016–1399 (2009).

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, Geoffrey, 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 first experience in battle. However, the attacks against the Plantagenet crown were inconclusive and in September the monarch offered to reconcile with his sons, proposing generous financial terms but no power. The offer was rejected and the conflict renewed, with Henry II taking the offensive 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 first 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 financial settlement and renewing his homage for Aquitaine.

[Source: from Gothic Kings of Britain: The Lives of 31 Medieval Rulers, 1016–1399 © 2009 Philip J. Potter
by permission of McFarland & Company, Inc., Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640. www.mcfarlandbooks.com.]

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).

[Source: The British Library, http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=royal_ms_14_c_vii_f008v ]

Source C

William of Newburgh, an historian, writing in the chronicle The History of English Affairs (completed c1198). Much of the chronicle was based on the writings of others.

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.

Source D

David Harris Willson, a professor of history, writing in the academic book A History of England (1972).

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.

[Source: from WILLSON. HISTORY OF ENGLAND 3/E, 3E. © 1984 South-Western, a part of Cengage, Inc.
Reproduced by permission. www.cengage.com/permissions]