AQA A Level History Depth Study: Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154-1216 November 2020 question paper 7042/2A

With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context, assess the value of these three sources to an historian studying the conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket.

‘Henry II was in a strong position at the time of his accession in 1154.’

Assess the validity of this view.

To what extent, by 1199, had Richard fully recovered from the problems that he had faced upon his return from captivity in 1194?

‘John’s failures in Normandy, in the years 1204 to 1214, were more the result of his own incompetence than Philip II’s strength.’

Assess the validity of this view.