How Henry regained royal authority from the barons

First Actions:
a) Henry and Becket took steps to restore law and order by reducing the power of the barons:
1. all 375 unauthorised castles were either puled down or taken under Henry's control

b) Henry solved the Scottish problem by meeting with King Malcolm of Scotland. Henry didn't want his lands to be divided, therefore warned Malcolm that he intended to retrieve the lands by force if necessary.

Further Actions 1159-1181: a) introduced the shield tax/scutage. Instead of the barons providing knights for Henry's army, each baron was to pay 20 shillings for each knight he owned. Any baron who refused was fined heavily

b) 1170 - Inquest of Sheriffs. Officials were sent out to check on the conduct and efficiency of every sheriff. Many sheriffs under corrupt barons were dismissed and replaced by men loyal to the King.

d) By the 'Assize of Arms' in 1181, Henry revived the old fryd system - all free men were to arm themselves according to their wealth. The rich with sword and helmet, the poor with leather jerkin and lance. All should be ready to answer the sheriffs call to arms.

After dealing with problems left by Stephen, Henry turned his attention to re-organising the civil legal system. Seen as his greatest achievements.

a) The Assize of Clarendon 1166: In order to establish royal justice throughout the country, a group of judges travelled around: ensuring justice was carried out, checking up on barons, calculating what taxes should be paid, supervising the work of sheriffs.

- All court cases were based on English Common Law to ensure a fair trial.
- All fines from the cases went to the treasury, and not the barons
- Sheriffs could confiscate lands and property of criminals
- Local jails were built.