8. Principles Conflict

The two men clashed over deep seated principles in 1164 when Henry tried to enforce ecclesiastical agreement to the C of C
Henry
1. Henry felt very strongly about restoring and protecting royal privilages
  1. e.g in secular matters he had destroyed illegal castles and carried out inquests such as the Sheriffs in 1170 and Cartae Baronum
2. Had a huge problem with criminous clerks - damaging to his newly organised legal system
  1. Also problems such as Bishops also being tenants-in-chief who Henry need to control legally
  2. Undermines England's peace and stability
3. C of C - to reassert 'Ancient Customs' and remove the powers of the Church
4. Treaty of Avranches in 1172 shows that Henry had strong principles at heart, as he managed to get many of the Ancient Customs confirmed
Becket
1. Felt especially strongly about 'criminous clerks'
2. Didn't want to abandon the church cause - he therefore refused to submit to the King, and chose to go into excile
  1. He did seem to be genuinely pious - wore monk's robes and a hair shirt full of lice
  2. When he initially gave verbal agreement to Henry that he would support the C of C he was under pressure from the Pope/bishops - under canon law any oath taken under duress was invalid
  3. For Becket, the clergy formed a separate and distinct body under Christ, subject to its own laws and disipline
3. Didn't want the church to be subordinate to the crown, as they felt they had gained these rights lawfully over the years.
4. Refused to pay Henry's tax at the Council of Woodstock July 1173 from Canterbury lands

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8. Principles Conflict

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	Created by Charlotte Peacock about 11 years ago