Why did conflict arise between Henry 2 and Thomas Becket?
The conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket arose primarily due to conflicting views regarding the extent of authority and jurisdiction of the Church and the state.
1. Appointment of Thomas Becket as Archbishop: Henry II appointed his close friend Thomas Becket as the Archbishop of Canterbury in the hope of gaining control over the Church. However, upon becoming Archbishop, Becket strongly defended the Church's independence and refused to be subservient to the king's authority.
2. The Constitutions of Clarendon: Henry II issued the Constitutions of Clarendon in 1164, which aimed to subject the clergy to the jurisdiction of royal courts in matters of law. Becket, representing the interests of the Church, strongly opposed these constitutions, as they undermined the independence and privileges of the Church.
3. Conflicts over jurisdiction: Becket sought to enforce ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the clergy, leading to clashes with Henry II who sought to maintain the king's authority over all subjects, including the clergy. This often resulted in disputes over issues like taxation and the punishment of clergy members accused of crimes.
4. Exile and tensions escalate: In 1164, Becket was forced to go into exile after resisting the Constitutions of Clarendon. During his exile in France, he sought support from the Pope and other European leaders, which further escalated tensions between him and Henry.
5. Becket's return and martyrdom: Becket returned to England in 1170 against Henry's wishes. Shortly after his return, he excommunicated several of Henry's supporters. In response, Henry reportedly exclaimed, "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?" which led to four knights interpreting it as an order to kill Becket. They assassinated Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral, making him a martyr and creating a major scandal.
Overall, the conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket was rooted in the clashing interests of the Church and the state, with each party asserting its authority and refusing to compromise.