Geoffrey Plantagenet was born to Fulk and Ermengarde on August 24, 1113 in Anjou, Isere, France. He was known as the Handsome or the Fair and Plantagenet. The nickname of Plantagenet came from the yellow sprig of broom blossom (genet or broom shrub) that he wore in his hat. It was said that he was red-headed, jovial and a great warrior.
King Henry I heard many good reports about Geoffrey and began negotiations for a wedding between young Geoffrey and his daughter, Empress Matilda. Both parties gave their consent and on June 10, 1128, he was knighted in Rouen by King Henry. Their marriage took place in 1128. Matilda was eleven years older making her around 26 when she married 15-year-old Geoffrey. It is said that their marriage was not a very happy one with frequent long separations.
Geoffrey is best known for assisting his wife in reclaiming the throne of England after her father's death. It was originally given to her cousin, Stephen, but after many years they were able to take it back for their son, Henry.
On September 7, 1151 Geoffrey died from a fever. He was buried at St. Julien's Cathedral in Le Mans, France.
Henry II of England (Plantagenet), was born on March 5, 1133 in Le Mans, France, to Geoffrey Plantagenet and the Empress Matilda. Henry was also known as Henry Curtmantle, Henry FitzEmpress or Henry Plantagenet. Henry became actively involved in the attempt to reclaim the throne of England by the age of 14. He also became the Duke of Normandy at 17. He inherited Anjou in 1151 and then married Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Much of Henry's rule consisted of wars and violence because he wanted to reclaim all that should be rightfully his from his grandfather's rule. He also entered what is known as the "cold war" with King Louis VII of France, which lasted decades. At the end of his life many of his sons had been in or started revolts to try to ascertain the kingdom for themselves. His son, John, would eventually triumph, but bring ruin to the empire that Henry had built.
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