Poisonous Plots

by Griff Hosker Book 17 in the The Anarchy Series series.

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4.5(1,752)

Henry II’s decision to make Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury creates a political problem when the former royal servant begins defending ecclesiastical independence against the king. Their quarrel deepens at the same time as Louis VII of France encourages opposition to Henry’s wider Angevin power.

The Warlord is drawn into the resulting network of rebellion, espionage and continental rivalry. A dispute over the Vexin and unrest in Brittany show how church politics can be exploited by secular enemies, while apparently local acts of defiance may be connected to a broader French strategy. The novel places personal loyalty to Henry inside the increasingly dangerous conflict between crown, church and rival dynasties.

Historical Periods

Thomas Becket and Church–Crown Conflict1162–1170 CE Third Crusade1189–1192 CE First Battle of Lincoln1141 CE Norman Invasion of Ireland1169–1177

Historical people

Eleanor of Aquitaine1124–1204 Henry II of England1133–1189 Stephen, King of England1095–1154 Empress Matilda1102–1167 David I of Scotland1084–1153 Thomas Becket William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke1146–1219