The Place of Religion in Society Flashcards
Why was the clergy important to Henry II?
The clergy were literate in a time where this was uncommon.
Also, They were members of the different ranks of administration; particularly in the chancery and the exchequer.
Henry II had a desire to build a central government and needed to develop an “administrative kingship” meaning the ability to run smoothly daily without the king’s intervention.
In order to achieve this, the clergy was needed.
Why were bishops and abbots important to Henry II?
Bishops and abbots were high up in the hierarchy as they were huge landholders.
They held military services and most of them acted as judges.
Therefore, it was important that the men Henry trusted were capable of carrying out political and administrative functions similar to bishops and abbots.
Henry was keen to control the promotion of trusted royal servant which ran against the growing movement in the church to prohibit secular (not religious) rulers from appointing bishops and abbots.
Why was the Church’s support for his succession important to Henry II?
The church played a vital role in securing Henry II’s succession to the throne.
Pope Innocent II led the church to favour King Stephen but after pope’s death, the English Church became hostile to Stephen and his family.
For example, Archbishop Theobald of Bec openly refused to crown Stephen’s son, Eustace and was exiled as consequence.
Theobald also played a role in negotiating the terms of the treaty of Wallingford which recognized Henry II as their true successor.
Why was the Church’s independence a problem for Henry II?
Under the reign of Stephen, the English Church had became more independent which was hardly suprising as all royal authority was diminished.
It was Henry II’s aim to gain it authority and relations with the Church again.
What did the Church do whilst independent?
The English Church caught up with reforms that had already spread throughout the rest of the latin church which was incredibly supported by the papacy.
How did the Church grow independent from royal authority?
English bishops increasingly attended Church councils
The growth of canon laws undermined royal customs by refuting them and encouraging further appeals to Rome.
The church reform movement demanded the election of bishops be free from secular interference.
Royal controls on access for papal legates and communications with Rome were relaxed.
What is a papal legates?
A representative of the Pope empowered to act pn his behalf
How did Henry II deal with Archbishop Theobald?
Henry II was cautious of his dealings with Theobald.
Henry was mindful of Theobald’s role in his succession and has more pressing matters to take care of so Henry eventually decides to wait for Theobald to die.
Despite his death, how does Theobald still ensure power in the English church?
He was able to get one of his clerks elected as Bishop of Exeter with Henry’s agreement, despite the King’s preference for another candidate.
What happened when Henry II was coronated?
Henry II took an oath to maintain justice and took a personal interest in the legal system and made many major reforms.
Was the church courts affected by Henry II’s reforms?
The English church was almost entirely exempt from the changes because matters involving members of the clergy could be referred to the ecclesiastical church
Was the church courts affected by Henry II’s reforms?
The English church was almost entirely exempt from the changes because matters involving members of the clergy could be referred to the ecclesiastical courts
What are ecclesiastical courts?
Church courts
What was the problem with ecclesiastical courts?
They were too lenient than the Kings own courts which created resentment and the leniency resulted in scandal
How did Henry II view the ecclesiastical courts?
Henry II was not satisfied with the Church’s resolution of some criminals cases
