Henry II

Nearly every schoolboy is acquainted with the reputation of Richard the Lion-Hearted and the wicked John; but scarcely anyone, until he studies English history, hears of their father, Henry II. Nevertheless, the importance of the second Henry to England transcends that of both these sons; for Henry, by creating an effective legal system, made one of the most valuable permanent contributions to England's development. He has been called "one of the conscious creators of England's greatness."

(from A History of England and the British Empire)