Henry II's church reforms
I can explain why Henry II came into conflict with the Church and how Henry’s reforms reduced the power of the Church.
Henry II's church reforms
I can explain why Henry II came into conflict with the Church and how Henry’s reforms reduced the power of the Church.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The power of the Church often brought it into conflict with the king’s authority .
- If they broke the law, the clergy were only required to attend the Church's own courts.
- Henry II appointed Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to help reform the Church.
- Henry wanted to use the Constitutions of Clarendon to increase his control over the Church.
- Becket argued with Henry and believed the Church should be free from the king's interference.
Keywords
Clergy - the clergy are religious leaders, especially priests, ministers, etc.
Spiritual - spiritual is relating to deep feelings and religious beliefs
Archbishop - the chief bishop of a large region is known as the archbishop
Bishop - a senior member of the Christian Church in charge of an area containing several churches is known as a bishop
Exile - when you are sent away from your home country, you go into exile
Common misconception
Medieval and modern Church power is equivalent.
Explicitly outline the Church's organisational power: land ownership, clergy social status, and spiritual authority.
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Henry II's church reforms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Henry II's church reforms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the England under Henry II: how successfully did Henry reassert royal authority? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
connected to the law
the power or ability to control or demand obedience
when you make changes to improve something
Exit quiz
6 Questions
religious officials, especially priests, ministers, etc
a senior member of the Christian Church
relating to deep feelings and religious beliefs