when someone is excommunicated they are expelled from the Catholic Church by the Pope

a cathedral is a large and impressive church that contains the seat of a bishop

a martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs

penance is to punish yourself to seek God’s forgiveness for a sin

a pilgrimage is a religious journey, usually taken to a shrine or a site of religious importance

The murder of Thomas Becket

History

The significance of conflict between the King and the Church will be revisited when pupils study the English Reformation (Y8). Pupils will also develop their understanding of medieval kingship which will be continuously built upon, over the course of the Year 7 curriculum. 

Pupils will build upon their understanding of medieval kingship and the ways in which government was organised

England under Henry II: how successfully did Henry reassert royal authority?

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Write the missing word. Henry II had his son Henry the {{}} King crowned as King of England early.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, because it was in accordance with God's will.

Any bishops, because they had the divine right to do so.

Any local lords, because they were very knowledgeable about English customs.

According to Becket's argument, who should have carried out the coronation of the Young King?

they sought to promote religious harmony in the region

they wanted to prove their worth to the king

they wanted to test their sword-fighting skills

Why did four knights decide to confront and murder Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral? 

it damaged his kingdom and led to opposition from the Church and his own family

In the short term, how did the murder of Becket affect Henry II's kingdom and his position as king?

Henry excommunicated all clergy who opposed him.

Henry removed controversial points from the Constitutions of Clarendon.

Henry walked barefoot to Becket’s shrine where he was whipped by the clergy.

How did Henry respond to Thomas Becket’s murder? Select two responses.

it caused the Church to become independent of the crown

it increased Henry's control over the Church

it led to increased opposition from the bishops

In the long term, how did the murder of Becket impact Henry II's control over the English Church?

People's belief in the authority of the barons

People's belief in God and dependence on the Church for guidance

What gave the Church spiritual authority over people in medieval England?

In medieval England, what did the Church's power often rival?

to increase the wealth and power of the clergy

to resolve the problem of clergy breaking the law and not facing justice

Why did Henry II attempt to reform the Church in England?

to help with reforms of the English Church

Why did Henry II appoint Thomas Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury?

a collection of architectural designs for cathedrals

a series of legal reforms that reduced the power of the Church

a set of rules designed to increase the power of the Church

What were the Constitutions of Clarendon?

Becket believed the Church should be free from the king's interference.

Becket wanted to focus on hunting and partying.

Select the reasons why Becket resisted Henry’s reforms of the Church.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The murder of Thomas Becket

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.