Henry II, one of the most powerful rulers in the western Europe of his time, made a vivid and lasting impression on his contemporaries. Lively pen portraits by Gerald of Wales, Walter Map, and Peter of Blois among others give a sense of the contradictions in his character, contradictions which left many people baffled and many afraid. His most striking characteristic was his boundless, incessant energy. It kept him constantly on the move around his vast dominions, his household always one step behind, striving desperately to catch up. Herbert of Bosham compared him with a human chariot which drew all behind him. In his youth he showed a rash and impulsive valour and although this diminished with the years, he never lost his love of active outdoor pursuits such as hunting. He was an able military leader, but seems not to have relished war for its own sake in the way that Richard the Lionheard, his son, was to do.

Henry was tall, with broad shoulders and the strength and endurance to match. His dress was usually informal -- like that of a huntsman -- and his manner courteous and charming, although he was quick to take offence if he felt his authority as king was being threatened. His sense of humour was strong and his wit mordant, but his temper was unpredictable and he could be bitterly vindictive towards anyone who roused his anger. His violent Angevin rages were legendary. Nevertheless, he bore, and enjoyed, the self-inflicted hardships of his constant travels, and was unfailingly patient with the crowds of suitors and litigants who at times thronged around him seeking justice. Generous to the poor, he gave alms frequently, and often in secret. In 1176 he bought large amounts of grain to relieve a famine in Maine and Anjou.

Henry was well known for his love of holy men, such as Hugh of London and Gilbert of Sempringham, and founded and endowed a considerable number of religious houses. He was less respectful towards the secular clergy, many of whom he treated harshly during the Becket dispute. William of Newburgh reports that, when criticized for holding bishoprics vacant so that the Crown could enjoy the revenues, the king replied that it was far better to spend the money for the benefit of the realm than for the pleasures of bishops; a remark that Newburgh found shocking rather that humorous. Another contemporary, Ralph Niger, castigated Henry for spending too little time in church and for constantly muttering and doodling during Mass.

Despite his frenetic energy and love of hunting, Henry had a serious and scholarly side. 'With the king of England', wrote Peter of Blois, 'it is school every day, constant conversation with best scholars and discussion of intellectual problems.' The king read books regularly, had an excellent memory, and according to the chronicler Walter Map,

understood all the languages from the coast of France to the River Jordan, although he normally spoke in French or Latin. His serious side also emerges in the many legal, administrative and financial developments of his reign, developments for which he has been much praised by posterity.