Thomas Becket Flashcards
Who was Becket when he was young?
He was Henry II’s drinking partner and great friend.
Why did Henry decide to make Becket the archbishop of Canterbury?
Because Henry thought that Becket would allow Henry to have more power over the church.
What is the Divine Right of Kings
This is the idea that God chooses the King.
What did Becket do to cleanse himself of his sins?
He wore a very itchy horse hair shirt.
Why was Becket exiled by Henry?
Because Henry was annoyed that Becket was not doing as Henry pleased and mainly that Becket rejected Henry’s request of trialling monks and priests in the crown court not the church court. He also got rid of all of Henry’s Bishop’s.
How did the pope threaten the King and why?
The pope threatened the King with excommunication because of Becket being exiled.
What did Henry say that may have caused Becket’s gruesome death?
Henry said out loud, “Won’t someone rid me of this troublesome priest!”
Who over heard Henry?
Four knights.
Where was Becket killed and why did the killers not wish for him to be killed here?
The killers did not wish to kill Becket on religious soil but in the end, Becket was killed in Canterbury cathedral.
What did Henry do to himself as a punishment for his friend’s death?
He went round the streets whipping himself.
What happened to the killers?
They were excommunicated.
What does excommunicated mean?
Excommunicated is when someone is not allowed to attend church. In those days that was absolutely terrible. This basically meant that you would go straight to hell.
