He loaded his favourite with riches and honours, but there is no ground for thinking that Thomas in any degree influenced his system of rule.

Henry's policy seems for good or evil to have been throughout his own.

His work of reorganization went steadily on amidst troubles at home and abroad.

Welsh outbreaks forced him in 1157 to lead an army over the border; and a crushing repulse showed that he was less skilful as a general than as a statesman.

The next year saw him drawn across the Channel, where he was already master of a third of the present France.