Sparring can be healthy Nov 17, 2009
One of the most egregious was the struggle between Archbishop Thomas Becket and King Henry II of England in the mid-12th century. I think that these disputes are generally good for both sides and should continue. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Brandywine in Literature, History, ... Oct 7, 2009
" Brandywine in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. In J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, the Brandywine River and Bridge begin in the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring. The Brandywine River, or Baranduin, flows through the eastern section of the Shire. This is the river that Frodo and his friends cross, using the East Road as it crossed the Brandywine Bridge, on the way to Bree and The Prancing Pony tavern. The Brandywine served as a sort of border for the hobbits.... (Suite101.com)
Supreme Court to Hear Local Gun Laws Suit Oct 1, 2009
"The concept of a universal militia originated in England. The requirement that subjects keep and bear arms for military duty dates back to at least the 12th century when King Henry II, in the Assize of Arms, obligated all freemen to bear arms for public defense. King Henry III required certain subjects between the ages of fifteen and fifty (including non-land-owning subjects) to bear arms. The reason for such a requirement was that in the absence of a regular army and police force (which was... (CBS News)
Canterbury Cathedral is being repaired with duct tape Sep 16, 2009
Around 2 million is needed to preserve the cathedral's collections of books and artefacts, including a "signature", or two crosses, of the illiterate William the Conqueror and another document signed by King Henry II relating his penance for the murder in 1170 of Thomas a Becket. Part of the library is currently closed to the public. (Harper's Magazine)
A fog swirls in the Hindu Kush Aug 18, 2009
Rather than having him operate like a CEO through his English-speaking cabinet officials (whom Afghans contemptuously call "dog washers"), the US should let him meander instead of nit-picking and finding his assertiveness to be unhelpful - as Henry II (1133-1189), England's "imperialistic king", would have found his surrogate Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. At the end of the day, Karzai is a Popalzai aristocrat steeped in the accumulated lore of Pashtunwali. (Asia Times Online)
Tuesday TV: Packed To The Rafters Aug 17, 2009
Tony Robinson continues to explore the evolution of British law, looking tonight at the haphazard execution of justice in Norman times and the reforms of Henry II that followed, some of which have lasted 800 years. Despite his doleful demeanor, Robinson is an enthusiastic host. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Henry IIs court re-created Aug 8, 2009
Henry II's lavish 12th century court brought back to life at Dover Castle ... The splendour of a 12th century royal court has been recreated in Dover Castle keep, which new research suggests was originally built as a medieval PR exercise by Henry II. ... Also featured will be a 31m high portrait of King Henry II.. (Harper's Magazine)
King's tower of 'bling' recreated Jul 31, 2009
Henry II set out to build a tower that would impress people visiting Dover. The opulent interiors of King Henry II's Dover Castle have been recreated by English Heritage in a 2 ... It is thought that King Henry II built the Great Tower to assert his power at a time when the shrine to Thomas Becket at Canterbury was becoming increasingly popular, and Dover had become an important focus for pilgrimage. (BBC News -- UK)
Romantic Movies to Rent with Histor... Jun 28, 2009
Now, in Ever After, da Vinci adds fairy godfather to this list of accomplishments as he plays a part in this popular re-telling of the Cinderella story, which also features fictionalized versions of Henry II of France and the Grimm Brothers. In a rural French manor, Danielle De Barbarac (Drew Barrymore) is orphaned and becomes a servant to her cruel stepmother (Anjelica Huston) and stepsister Marguerite (Megan Dodds). (Suite101.com)
Gitmo Detainee To Be Tried In U.S. Court May 21, 2009
(The first recorded usage of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum was in 1305, during the reign of King Edward I. However, other writs were issued with the same effect as early as the reign of Henry II in the 12th century. Habeas corpus isn't undone because Bush and Cheney said so. (CBS News)
Disappearing fast May 16, 2009
King Henry II never forgave himself for his role in the murder of his political foe and his guilty conscience found its way to Spain. His daughter, Eleanor of England, married the Spanish King, Alfonso VIII.. (BBC News -- Europe)
Timely truths from Galileo Apr 2, 2009
Anouilh's play focuses on Thomas Becket, who, after his friend, Henry II, appoints him Archbishop of Canterbury, refuses to compromise the rights of the Church. Similarly, Thomas More refuses to back down from Henry VIII who demands More renounce Church teachings on divorce - for obvious reasons. (Boston Globe)
The Bottom Line: Wealth redistribution threatens true justice Mar 25, 2009
In twelfth-century England, King Henry II tried to consolidate absolute rule in England by weakening any obstacles to his power. The nobles revolted and when King John (Henry II's son) was defeated, he was forced to sign the Magna Carta, which guaranteed a few basic freedoms and privileges. (The Loyola Greyhound, MD)
