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Why did Henry II destroy castles built without royal permission during Stephen’s reign?

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King Henry II and St. Thomas Becket — Henry II Henry II (left) disputing with Thomas Becket (center), miniature from a 14th-century manuscript; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Claudius D.ii).

During the period known as the anarchy (1135–1154), the reign of King Stephen was marked by widespread disorder and the proliferation of "adulterine" or unlicensed castles. These fortifications allowed local magnates to operate with significant autonomy, effectively decentralizing power and undermining royal authority.1

When Henry II ascended to the throne in 1154, he prioritized the destruction of these unauthorized castles to restore central control and public order. By eliminating these private strongholds, Henry II curtailed the ability of local lords to act independently of the crown, ensuring that power remained consolidated under the monarchy rather than fragmented among the nobility. This action was a foundational step in his broader efforts to re-establish the strong, centralized government that had been weakened during the civil war.21