England under the Angevin Kings, Volume II

"England under the Angevin Kings, Volume II" by Kate Norgate is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This book delves into the reign of notable figures during the Angevin Kings’ period, including Henry II and Thomas Becket, exploring their complex political and ecclesiastical relationships. It is likely to appeal to readers interested in medieval history, particularly the dynamics between church authority and royal power. The opening of the volume introduces the reader to Archbishop Thomas Becket's return to England and his unexpected elevation to the archbishopric of Canterbury by King Henry II. The text details Thomas's initial reluctance to accept the position due to the conflict it could create between his role and the king's expectations, foreshadowing the tensions that will develop between them. As Thomas navigates his new responsibilities, he begins to embrace a life devoted to ecclesiastical duties and reform, setting the stage for the significant conflict between the crown and the church that characterizes much of this historical period. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Kate Norgate was a British historian. She was one of the first women to achieve academic success in this sphere, and is best known for her history of England under the Angevin kings and for coining the name Angevin Empire to describe their domains. She was self-educated in the Victorian era when higher education was generally denied to women. Her obituary in The Times described her as "the most learned woman historian of the pre-academic period."