The Plantagenet Dynasty, otherwise known as the Angevins, originates from a noble French family who ruled in Anjou, northern France, during the 12 th century. Between 1154-1399 the Plantagenets came to power in England, a period during which they produced 14 heirs.

The advantageous marriage between Geoffrey of Anjou and King William of England's granddaughter, Matilda, in 1128 resulted in a son, Henri who, in 1216, was crowned King of England. Henri II's successors include King Edward I, King Edward II, King Edward III until the murder of King Richard II in 1399. The Plantagenet crown was then divided between the conflicting House of York and the House of Lancaster.

The name, Plantagenet, is said to have derived from Geoffrey of Anjou's custom of wearing the golden flower on his hat, thus the surname was later applied to his descendants who had no last name. The Plantagenets were generally regarded as a disorderly and wild bunch.

The Plantagenet Dynasty ruled England during a period when major historical developments were occurring. King Edward I had conquered Wales in his attempt to create a British empire, but failed in his attempt to seize Scotland. Edward II reigned during the Hundred Years War, a feud between England and France, and Richard II witnessed the beginning of the War of the Roses, a time of social struggle.

It was also during the reign of the Plantagenet Dynasty that new social institutions were evolving and the judicial reforms (between the reign of Henri II and Edward I) saw the expansion of English Parliament. The ‘Black Death' caused excessive social unrest and employment shortages and the rise in prices contributed to the Peasant's Revolt in 1381. However, regardless of these struggles, the cultures of art and learning flourished and a distinct English culture began to emerge.

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