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How many bishops did Thomas Becket excommunicate?
Before leaving France Becket issued three letters expelling (excommunicating) the Archbishop of York and two bishops from the Church. This act was to have devastating consequences upon his return to England.
What was the problem that delayed Becket being named archbishop?
One major problem that Thomas Becket had with his appointment as archbishop was the nature of how he secured his position. King Henry had all but pushed the monks of Canterbury to elect Thomas as archbishop. 25 It must have rankled Becket that he was beholden to Henry for his election.
What does Becket ask of the Pope?
However, they quickly fell out again when Becket asked the pope to excommunicate the Archbishop of York who had taken sides with the king. He is said to have shouted out “will no-one rid me of this troublesome priest?” Four knights heard what Henry had shouted and took it to mean that the king wanted Becket dead.
Why was Henry unhappy with the church?
The Roman Catholic Church simply did not allow it. This put Henry VIII in a difficult position. If he went ahead and announced that as king of England he was allowing himself a divorce, the pope could excommunicate him. This event effectively lead to England breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church based in Rome.
What did Thomas Becket and Henry disagree on?
His high-handedness caused many complaints to the king, and added to the dispute. Another disagreement involved Henry’s attempts to collect sheriff’s aid in 1163. Becket argued that the aid was a free will offering to the sheriffs, and could not be compelled.
Why was there conflict between the king and the archbishop?
Becket and Henry He also acted as Henry’s foil, taking on those aspects of kingship which Henry found irksome. At its heart lies a personal dispute between Henry II, who felt betrayed by his friend, and Becket, who mistrusted the motives of the king. This bad blood between friends is what made the dispute so bitter.
Why did Thomas Becket go into exile?
The king and his archbishop’s friendship was put under strain when it became clear that Becket would now stand up for the church in its disagreements with the king. In 1164, realising the extent of Henry’s displeasure, Becket fled into exile in France, and remained in exile for several years.
Why was there conflict between the king and the Archbishop?