How successful was Henry in achieving his aims in the aftermath of Becket's death

How successful was Henry in achieving his aims in the aftermath of Becket's death

1. Henry's gains

   • Able to extend influence over the Church, e.g collecting revenues from vacant sees like Canterbury
     • Still had control over 'free' ecclesiastical appointments
   • The next two archbishops after Becket were weak and servile when defending church rights
   • Pope Alexander was keen to compromise; interdict was revoked and the threat of excommunication never materialised
   • Clergy could be tried in secular courts for treason or forest offences
   • Royal officials could only be excommunicated with royal approval
   • Henry cited that all of his customs were in fact well established and not 'new'
   • Built 3 monastreries and paid a relief of 20 000 marks to not go on crusade

2. Henry's losses

   • Constitutions of Clarendon were to be formally abandoned
   • Interdict initially placed on Henry's continental lands
   • Though in a vague and ambiguous way, papal authority was introduced into England
   • Henry's public image permanently damage; he became a tyrant whilst Becket became increasingly idolised
   • Humiliating public penance at Canterbury 1174
   • Had to agree to further humiliating terms at Avranches; 200 knights, crusade...

3. Barber 'With Becket gone, Henry neither won nor lost'

4. Conclusion: Though he did have to make some compromises, Henry ultimately gained from the aftermath of Becket's death. He was an opportunist, turning to his advantage what could have been a potentially disastrous situation. Henry ensured far more flexible terms between himself and the papacy could be agreed on. He gained the power and influence over the English Church he wanted, whilst ensuring any compromises made did not disadvantage him in any permanent matter.