Potential Question #2- Henry II vs. Church / Thomas Becket Flashcards
(6 cards)
What kicked off this whole beef?
Henry II wanted to try (prosecute) a member of the clergy, a priest, in the Royal Court (his court) as opposed to the Church’s court
Why did Henry want to prosecute this priest?
The priest had committed an unspecified crime
Henry wanted to show that he had more power than the Church
Whoever (Henry II or the Church) was able to try the priest in their court had the most power – this was all a power struggle
(This angered the high ranking clergy)
Who said no to Henry?
What was the result of this?
Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket said no
Henry II had him killed in his church
Henry screamed that he wanted someone to get rid of Becket, which was heard by his guards
These guards hacked Becket to death, apparently as he was praying at the altar
It is unknown if this was intentional on Henry’s part, though it likely was
Why was Henry especially mad at Becket for saying no?
Thomas Becket had been appointed to his position by Henry II, and was his good friend, so Henry was furious when Becket disobeyed him
How was Becket honored?
Becket was honored as a martyr & declared a saint
Who won this power struggle?
Henry II realized he had messed up – he let the church try the priest in their court for fear of excommunication and interdict
The church won this power struggle
