Henry II and the Church in his continental territories : expression and recognition of authority in the Angevin Empire

This thesis investigates Henry II's relationship with the Church in his continental domains focusing on Normandy, Anjou, Maine, the Touraine, and Aquitaine during his reign as king of England from 1154 to 1189. To examine this relationship the thesis uses traditional methods which historians have long used in studies focusing on the Church in England, but only rarely applied to the Continent. These methods include an investigation of bishops' backgrounds, familial links, and relationships with the king as demonstrated through their attendance at court, royal service, and positions in local society. It will examine how religious institutions, both secular and monastic, sought out the authority of Henry II and how as patron Henry expressed his authority through the extant royal charter corpus. It employs over 350 royal charters for religious institutions to assess royal patronage, the nature of the king's patronage, and to determine the demand for royal patronage and charters as both reflect ecclesiastical views of the king and his authority. Henry II's acta form the main resource for this research, but this thesis also makes use of the charters and letters of the institutions and individuals it investigates alongside contemporary narratives to create a fuller picture of his episcopal relationships. Through these methodologies and the in-depth analysis provided, this thesis offers a better understanding of Henry's relationship with the Church on the Continent and the recognition of his authority.