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.
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.
Common misconception
Medieval and modern Church power is equivalent.
Explicitly outline the Church's organisational power: land ownership, clergy social status, and spiritual authority.
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
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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