Henry II and Thomas Becket
Henry II
• Was born on 4 March 1133,
died in 1189.
• Became the king of England
in 1154.
• Appointed his best friend as
Chancellor.
Henry II
Thomas Becket
• An educated chancellor
• Becket's job was an
important one as it
involves running the
country on a day-to-day
basis (when Henry was
away)
• In 1162 became the
Archbishop of
Canterbury
Church and King
• Henry did not have absolute power over
his people.
• He could not punish people who worked
for the church (only the church could).
• He thought the church was too lenient with
its punishments.
• He decided to appoint Becket as the head
of the church (Archbishop) so he can
control it.
Bishop, Church and King
• The most powerful Churchman in
England was the Archbishop of
Canterbury. He had to work very
closely with the King.
• If they did not then it was almost
impossible to run the country
• There was a battle developing
between State and church
Henry II and Thomas Becket
• As an archbishop, Becket changed his
politics and opposed Henry II.
• He became religious and refused to
make changes to the Church courts.
• After a heated argument, Becket fled to
France for six years.
Henry II and Thomas Becket
• When Beckett eventually returned to
Britain, he excommunicated all of the
Bishops who had helped Henry run
Church business while he was away.
• They were fired and told they would end
up in hell (exile from the Church).
• When Henry found out, he shouted "Will
no one rid me of this turbulent priest?"