WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Constitutions of Clarendon, 16 articles issued in January 1164 by King Henry II defining church–state relations in England. Designed to restrict ecclesiastical privileges and curb the power of the church courts, the constitutions provoked the famous quarrel between Henry and his archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket .

Detailed explanation-2: -Henry and Becket argued over tax policy and control of church land but the biggest conflict was over legal rights of the clergy. Becket claimed that if a church official was accused of a crime, only the church itself had the ability to put the person on trial.

Detailed explanation-3: -He often rejected any Papal influence in order to enhance his own royal authority over the church. The 1160s were dominated by Henry’s relationship with Thomas Becket. After the death of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury in 1161, Henry wanted to exert his control over the church.

Detailed explanation-4: -Henry II had to allow himself to be whipped by the monks of Canterbury, to signal his atonement for the fact that he had, supposedly unwittingly, led to the murder of the most important Church official in England.

Detailed explanation-5: -At its heart lies a personal dispute between Henry II, who felt betrayed by his friend, and Becket, who mistrusted the motives of the king. This bad blood between friends is what made the dispute so bitter.