Medieval English Kings You Should Know

The medieval period of English history, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, was a time of great upheaval, consolidation, and transformation. The kings of this era shaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of England, leaving legacies that still resonate today. Below are seven medieval English kings whose reigns were particularly significant and who you should know about.

William the Conqueror (r. 1066–1087)

William I, also known as William the Conqueror, was the Duke of Normandy who famously invaded England in 1066. His victory at the Battle of Hastings ended Anglo-Saxon rule and started the Norman dynasty in England. William's reign transformed England’s aristocracy, language, and governance. He introduced the feudal system and commissioned the Domesday Book, an extensive survey of England's lands and resources. His legacy laid the foundation for the medieval English monarchy and the integration of Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures.

Henry II (r. 1154–1189)

Henry II was the first Plantagenet king and arguably one of England’s greatest medieval monarchs. He restored royal authority after a period of civil war known as The Anarchy. Henry is best known for his legal reforms that laid the groundwork for English common law. His conflict with Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, culminated in Becket’s murder in 1170, which shocked the realm and the Church. Henry’s reign saw the expansion of English territories into France and improvements in administration and justice. shutdown123