To what extent was the increase of central royal power in the reign of Henry II in England due to the growth of the nobility? - Scottish Highers History - Question 3 - 2022

The expansion of royal power was also driven by the need to finance warfare, which became increasingly expensive. Henry II established a more systematic approach to taxation and finance, allowing him to maintain a larger standing army and increase royal authority, which often contradicted the interests of the nobility.

Henry II reformed the justice system, extending royal jurisdiction, which reduced the influence of the nobility on local governance. By doing so, he not only asserted his authority but also created a more uniform legal framework, wherein nobles had to rely on royal courts rather than their feudal privileges.

Although the nobility’s growth provided Henry II with a network of local power, many were employed in administrative roles that aligned their interests with the crown’s. While this fostered a degree of loyalty, it also allowed the king to exert greater control over his kingdom through the nobility, thereby increasing his royal power.

The necessity of a loyal military force led Henry to implement systems where lesser nobles served the crown directly in military campaigns. This reduced their autonomy and ensured that the king's power was reinforced through military allegiance.

In conclusion, while the growth of nobility during Henry II's reign contributed to the complexity of governance, it was largely the king's active measures that leveraged this growth to centralize power. Through financial control, judicial reforms, and strategic appointments, Henry II navigated the dynamics of royal and noble power effectively.