This transformation shocked Henry II. Becket went from being a loyal royal servant to a staunch defender of the church’s rights, often clashing with the king over issues such as clerical immunity from secular courts and the appointment of bishops.
Key Issues of Conflict
- Clerical Immunity and the Constitutions of Clarendon (1164):
Henry II sought to curb the church’s power by requiring clerics accused of crimes to be tried in royal courts rather than church courts. This policy was formalized in the Constitutions of Clarendon, a set of legal reforms aiming to restrict ecclesiastical privileges.
Becket resisted, arguing that only the church could judge its own clergy. His refusal to accept the Constitutions led to a bitter confrontation with Henry.
- The Trial and Exile of Becket:
Becket’s defiance provoked Henry to accuse him of contempt of royal authority. In 1164, Becket was put on trial, where he faced harsh treatment. To avoid imprisonment or worse, Becket fled to France and lived in exile for six years, supported by King Louis VII, Henry’s rival.
The Struggle Over Appointments and Authority:
While in exile, Becket continued to oppose Henry’s control over church appointments and defended the church’s independence. His resistance inspired many clergy and nobles, deepening the rift between the crown and the church. shutdown123