OCR Specification focus:
‘the idea of contractual kingship; The personality of Henry I.’
Henry I’s reign marked a crucial stage in medieval English kingship, blending continuity with reform. His leadership and contractual style shaped governance and legacy.
The Idea of Contractual Kingship
Henry I is strongly associated with the concept of contractual kingship, where the monarch’s power was not absolute but bound by promises and expectations.
Contractual Kingship: The idea that a king owed duties to his subjects, just as his subjects owed loyalty and service to him.
This principle emerged in response to instability after William II’s reign. When Henry seized the throne in 1100, he issued the Coronation Charter, pledging to:
End oppressive taxation and arbitrary fines.
Respect the rights of the Church.
Protect the traditional customs of the barons.
Ensure fair justice across the realm.
These commitments formed a moral and political contract, reinforcing that the king’s legitimacy relied on upholding order and fairness rather than ruling by force alone.
Great Seal of Henry I (engraved reproduction from a 19th-century history): obverse with Henry enthroned holding sword and orb; reverse with the king mounted, bearing sword and shield. The imagery underscores royal justice and military leadership that supported the contractual expectations articulated in 1100. Extra detail: as a later engraved rendering (not the original wax), some stylistic regularisation is present. Source
The Coronation Charter of 1100
The Coronation Charter, also called the Charter of Liberties, became a foundational text for defining the limits of royal authority. It set a precedent later echoed in documents such as Magna Carta (1215). Henry’s intention was partly pragmatic: to secure baronial loyalty and stabilise his rule after his contested accession.
By promising restraint, Henry secured political capital.
The charter highlighted the reciprocal relationship between king and subjects.
While not always strictly enforced, it became a symbolic benchmark for just governance.
The Personality of Henry I
Henry’s reign is often defined as much by his personality as by his policies. He earned the nickname “Lion of Justice” because of his focus on law and order.
Henry I of England, later painted portrait (NPG). The crown, ermine, and jewelled collar emphasise royal dignity and the authoritative image cultivated under Henry’s rule. Extra detail: this is a post-medieval depiction rather than a contemporary likeness, used here as a teaching aid for royal image and symbolism. Source
Lion of Justice: A sobriquet given to Henry I, emphasising his reputation for firm legal reforms and administrative control.
Henry demonstrated qualities of intelligence, pragmatism, and ruthlessness when necessary. He had been the youngest son of William the Conqueror and had not expected to inherit the throne, yet his adaptability enabled him to rise swiftly in power.
Key Traits of Henry I’s Personality
Pragmatism: He blended Norman and Anglo-Saxon traditions, fostering a sense of continuity.
Administrative vision: Henry valued skilled officials and promoted men of talent rather than relying solely on nobility.
Ruthlessness: He acted decisively against rivals, notably his brother Robert Curthose.
Piety and respect for the Church: He balanced secular and ecclesiastical authority, working with Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, after initial disputes.
Henry’s ability to balance firmness with diplomacy made him a stabilising figure after years of uncertainty.
Henry I’s Claim and Contract
Henry’s accession was not straightforward. He became king after William II’s sudden death in a hunting accident, but his elder brother Robert, Duke of Normandy, held a stronger hereditary claim. To secure the throne, Henry combined swift political manoeuvres with contractual promises.
Coronation Charter: Issued within days of his coronation to reassure both barons and Church.
Marriage to Matilda of Scotland: Strengthened legitimacy by linking him to the Anglo-Saxon royal line.
Church reconciliation: Henry restored lands seized under William II, cultivating clerical support.
This approach underlined how his contractual kingship was not just ideology but a practical political tool to consolidate his authority.
Contractual Kingship in Practice
Although the Coronation Charter promised restraint, Henry often pushed boundaries of royal power. Nevertheless, his reign reflected ongoing negotiation between king and subjects.
Examples of Contractual Kingship in Action
Henry curbed baronial excesses but also asserted strong royal authority in justice and finance.
He relied on loyal officials such as Roger of Salisbury, reinforcing central government’s power.
Disputes with the Church, particularly with Archbishop Anselm, highlighted the limits of royal control and the need for compromise.
Henry’s administrative reforms reflected his commitment to governance that balanced power with responsibility.
These developments demonstrate the contractual nature of kingship as a living, evolving principle rather than a rigid code.
The Legacy of Henry I’s Kingship
Henry’s reign set important precedents for later kingship:
The Coronation Charter became a symbol of the limits on monarchy.
His personality shaped governance, with his administrative reforms laying foundations for future developments such as the Exchequer.
The idea of contractual kingship resonated across the 12th century, influencing expectations of both rulers and subjects.
While Henry could be harsh and pragmatic, his ability to frame monarchy as both authoritative and accountable ensured that his reign stood as a model of balanced kingship.
FAQ
Henry seized the throne after William II’s sudden death, facing rival claims from his elder brother Robert Curthose. His rule lacked hereditary certainty.
By issuing the Coronation Charter, Henry reassured barons and clergy who feared instability. It was both a political necessity and a means of legitimising his accession.
Matilda was the daughter of Malcolm III of Scotland and Margaret, a descendant of the Anglo-Saxon royal line.
The union strengthened Henry’s ties to the English population by linking him to Edward the Confessor.
It reinforced his legitimacy, reassuring subjects that he respected continuity with earlier English traditions.
The epithet highlighted not just his legal reforms but also his symbolic role.
It suggested that royal authority could be both strong and fair. By projecting justice as central to his kingship, Henry reinforced loyalty and the perception of a balanced ruler who upheld his contractual obligations.
Contemporaries largely saw it as a statement of intent rather than enforceable law.
The barons and Church valued its promises.
Henry himself often ignored restrictions when politically expedient.
Its long-term importance lay in setting a precedent later invoked against future kings.
Henry combined piety with pragmatism.
He compromised with Archbishop Anselm after initial disputes, recognising the need for cooperation.
His willingness to restore Church lands confiscated by William II displayed respect.
Yet, he also asserted royal rights when challenged, showing his pragmatic balancing of power.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks):
What was the Coronation Charter of 1100, and why was it significant at the beginning of Henry I’s reign?
Mark scheme:
1 mark for identifying that it was a charter issued by Henry I at his coronation.
1 mark for explaining its significance, e.g. it promised to limit royal abuses, respect baronial and Church rights, or established the idea of contractual kingship.
Question 2 (6 marks):
Explain how Henry I’s personality contributed to his reputation as the “Lion of Justice.”
Mark scheme:
Award up to 6 marks, using the following guidance:
1–2 marks: General reference to Henry I’s focus on justice or law, without detailed explanation.
3–4 marks: Clear explanation with at least two relevant points, such as his pragmatism, intelligence, or use of skilled officials, showing how these reinforced his authority.
5–6 marks: Developed answer with multiple points and supporting detail, such as his ruthlessness against rivals (e.g. Robert Curthose), his balance of secular and ecclesiastical authority (e.g. cooperation with Anselm), and his emphasis on firm legal administration. Must directly link traits of his personality to the reputation of the “Lion of Justice.”
