126619264. Henry Ii 'Curtmantle' Plantagenet King of England
First of the Plantagenet or Angevin kings
Efficiently consolidated England after King Stephen's reign; acquired a reputation as one of England's greatest medieval kings
Established courts throughout England and gave magistrates the power to render legal decisions on behalf of the Crown. First legal textbook was published, providing the basis for today's Common Law.
By the Assize of Clarendon (1166), trial by jury became the norm, replacing for the most part trial by ordeal and wager of battle. Strengthened by Assize of Northamption in 1176.