Henry 11
Storyboard Text
- Henry II was made King of England in 1154. Henry wanted more control over the Church. Royal justice could not prosecute members of the clergy for committing a crime, and Henry wanted to change this.
- In 1155 Henry II made Thomas Becket his Chancellor. Henry trusted him and his advice. Then in 1162, the Archbishop of Canterbury died, so Henry gave the position of Archbishop to Becket. Henry hoped Becket would cooperate with him in gaining control of the Church. Henry wanted clergy to be tried in the King’s court and not in religious courts.
- However, Becket did not agree with Henry and objected to taking away the power of the church. Henry and Becket fell out. Becket was charged with treason and fled to France for six years.
- The Pope threatened Henry with excommunication because of what happened, so Henry allowed Becket to return to England in 1170 and be reinstated him as Archbishop. But Becket continued to defy the king. Henry’s cry was heard: “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?”
- Four knights took the King’s words literally and on 29th December 1170 they intentionally murdered Becket at the altar of Canterbury Cathedral.
- Three years later the Pope made Becket a saint. The four knights who murdered Becket were excommunicated.Finally, in 1174 Henry walked barefoot to Canterbury Cathedral in penance. Henry's attempts to stop the Church's power were unsuccessful.
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