# Henry the Young King

> second of five sons of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine

**Wikidata**: [Q235238](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235238)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Young_King)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-the-young-king

## Summary
Henry the Young King was the second son of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, who served as a ruler in England during the late 12th century and is known for being the first English monarch to be designated "Young King" while still alive.

## Biography
- Born: 1155-02-28 (February 28, 1155)
- Nationality: Kingdom of England
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Being the second son of King Henry II and designated as "Young King"
- Employer(s): Kingdom of England (as ruler)
- Field(s): Ruler (monarch)

## Contributions
Henry the Young King served as a co-ruler alongside his father King Henry II from 1170 until his death in 1183. He was designated as the "Young King" by his father and was intended to inherit the throne upon Henry II's death. He participated in military campaigns and governance alongside his father.

## FAQs
**What was Henry the Young King's relationship to King Henry II?**
Henry the Young King was the second son of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

**When did Henry the Young King die?**
Henry the Young King died on June 11, 1183.

**What was his title?**
Henry the Young King was designated as the "Young King" by his father King Henry II.

**What was his citizenship?**
Henry the Young King was a citizen of the Kingdom of England.

**What was his occupation?**
Henry the Young King was a ruler or monarch.

## Why They Matter
Henry the Young King represents an important transitional period in English monarchy, as he was the first English monarch to be designated as "Young King" while still alive. His early death at age 28 prevented him from fully establishing his own reign, but his designation and co-rulership with his father influenced the succession patterns of English monarchs. His legacy is primarily historical, as he died before he could fully establish his own rule, but he remains significant as a son of Henry II and as an early example of designated heir arrangements in English monarchy.

## Notable For
- Was the second son of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine
- Designated as the "Young King" by his father
- Died at age 28 before he could fully establish his own reign
- Was the first English monarch to be given the title "Young King" while alive
- Received the title of Knight Bachelor

## Body
### Early Life
Henry the Young King was born on February 28, 1155, as the second son of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was part of the Plantagenet dynasty that ruled England during the 12th century. His birth occurred during a period of significant political and military activity in England, as his father was engaged in conflicts with various nobles and the church.

### Rise to Power
In 1170, at the age of 15, Henry was designated as the "Young King" by his father Henry II. This was a significant designation as it was the first time an English monarch had been given this title while still alive. The title was intended to establish Henry as the primary heir to the throne and to provide him with authority over certain regions of England.

### Co-Rulership
From 1170 until his death in 1183, Henry served as a co-ruler alongside his father. He participated in military campaigns and governance, particularly in the western and southern parts of England. His father Henry II retained ultimate authority, but Henry was given substantial powers and responsibilities.

### Military Campaigns
Henry participated in several military campaigns during his short reign. He was involved in conflicts with rebellious nobles and in campaigns to maintain control over the kingdom. His military activities were part of the broader conflicts between the monarchy and the powerful barons of England.

### Death and Legacy
Henry the Young King died on June 11, 1183, at the age of 28. His death was a significant blow to the Plantagenet dynasty as it meant that the succession would pass to his younger brother Richard, who would later become King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart). Henry's early death prevented him from fully establishing his own reign and legacy.

### Cultural Impact
Henry the Young King's designation as the "Young King" had a lasting impact on English monarchy. It established a precedent for designating heirs while they were still alive, which influenced how future monarchs handled succession. His life and death are often studied as an example of the complex relationships between monarchs and their heirs during the medieval period.

### Historical Significance
As the second son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry the Young King represents an important figure in the history of the Plantagenet dynasty. His life and death illustrate the challenges faced by medieval monarchs in managing succession and maintaining control over their kingdoms. His designation as the "Young King" was a significant political maneuver by his father to secure the future of the dynasty.

### Family and Relationships
Henry was the second of five sons born to Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. His siblings included Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), Geoffrey II, John, and William. The relationships between these brothers were complex, with frequent conflicts and rivalries over succession and power.

### Political Context
During Henry's lifetime, England was facing significant political challenges, including conflicts with the church, rebellions by nobles, and ongoing wars with France. His father Henry II was a powerful and controversial monarch who had to navigate these complex political situations while managing his large kingdom.

### Legacy
Although Henry the Young King died before he could fully establish his own reign, his designation as the "Young King" and his role as co-ruler with his father had lasting effects on English history. His life serves as an example of the medieval monarchy and the challenges faced by royal families in maintaining power and ensuring smooth succession.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Source
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Sejm-Wielki.pl