Evaluate the effectiveness of Henry II’s policies in England and Ireland.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the effectiveness of Henry II’s policies. Candidates may outline the issues that Henry was trying to resolve; these could include the reassertion of royal authority and later to improve the legal system and administration of England. There may be some evaluation of his conflict with the Church. In Ireland his aim was to extend English control to provide an inheritance for John; strong Royal power was established in the east although some native kings remained. In England, he succeeded in controlling the barons, demolishing unlicensed castles and building new royal castles. His justiciars and sheriffs extended his control of law and order in England and he was very successful in restoring royal finances. He was less successful in controlling the Church after Becket’s murder: he had to concede on the legal notion of “benefit of clergy”. However, he did keep significant control of Church appointments. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the effectiveness of Henry II's policies in England and Ireland.