House Of Plantagenet Family Tree

The House of Plantagenet: A Dynasty of Kings and Queens

The House of Plantagenet ruled England for over 300 years, from 1154 to 1485. During this time, the dynasty produced some of England's most famous and influential monarchs, including Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and Edward III. The Plantagenets also played a major role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of medieval Europe.

The founder of the House of Plantagenet was Geoffrey of Anjou, who became Count of Anjou in 1129. Geoffrey's son, Henry II, inherited the County of Anjou from his father and the Duchy of Normandy from his mother, Matilda, who was the daughter of King Henry I of England. In 1154, Henry II became King of England, beginning the Plantagenet dynasty.

The Plantagenets were a powerful and ambitious dynasty. They expanded their territories in England, France, and Ireland, and they played a major role in the Crusades. The Plantagenets were also patrons of the arts and sciences, and they founded many universities and monasteries.

The House of Plantagenet came to an end in 1485, when Richard III was defeated and killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. The Tudor dynasty succeeded the Plantagenets, and the Tudor period is often seen as the beginning of modern England.

Key Figures in the House of Plantagenet

Henry II (1133-1189): Henry II was the first Plantagenet king of England. He was a powerful and ambitious ruler who expanded the English territories in France and Ireland. Henry II was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and he founded many universities and monasteries.
Richard the Lionheart (1157-1199): Richard the Lionheart was one of the most famous medieval kings. He was a brave and skilled warrior who led the English army on the Third Crusade. Richard the Lionheart was also a patron of the arts, and he wrote poetry and music.
Edward III (1312-1377): Edward III was one of the most successful Plantagenet kings. He led the English army to victory in the Hundred Years' War, and he expanded the English territories in France. Edward III was also a patron of the arts, and he founded the Order of the Garter.
Richard III (1452-1485): Richard III was the last Plantagenet king of England. He was a complex and controversial figure who has been vilified by historians. However, recent scholarship has suggested that Richard III was a more benevolent ruler than has been traditionally thought.

The Legacy of the House of Plantagenet

The House of Plantagenet left a lasting legacy on England and the world. The Plantagenets expanded the English territories, they played a major role in the Crusades, and they were patrons of the arts and sciences. The Plantagenets also founded many universities and monasteries, and they helped to shape the political and cultural landscape of medieval Europe.

The House of Plantagenet is one of the most important dynasties in English history. The Plantagenets produced some of England's most famous and influential monarchs, and they played a major role in shaping the nation's history and culture.