Why did becket fled to france

Three years later the Pope made Becket a saint, following reports of miracles at his tomb. The four knights responsible for his murder were excommunicated and in Henry walked barefoot to Canterbury Cathedral in penance. TV A new online only channel for history lovers. Sign Me Up. The recorded story of Scotland begins with the arrival of the Roman Empire in the 1st century, when the province of Britannia reached as far north as the Antonine Wall.

But how much further back can the history of Scotland be traced? Who were the Picts and the Gaels? And how did the Viking invasion unite them? When the position of Archbishop of Canterbury became vacant, Becket was put forward. Given his lifestyle and reputation he was an unlikely candidate but the king had other ideas. Henry was keen to appoint his close friend to the role but, crucially, he wanted him to continue as Chancellor. With Becket in both positions, Henry saw an opportunity to exercise greater authority over the Church as well as the state.

Becket was appointed Archbishop on 23 May and consecrated officially blessed on 3 June. His actions drove a wedge between him and the king which would never be repaired. A series of disputes ensued regarding the division of power between the Crown and the Church. He refused to accept the terms of his punishment and, fearing further repercussions from the king, he fled to France.

Becket remained in exile in France for six years. During this time Henry flexed his power in England. Becket appealed to the Pope and, under significant pressure, Henry agreed to reopen negotiations. Becket was reassured that it would be safe to return to England. However, his final act was to punish those involved in the unauthorised coronation.

Before leaving France Becket issued three letters expelling excommunicating the Archbishop of York and two bishops from the Church. This act was to have devastating consequences upon his return to England. Becket returned from exile on 1 December Contemporary reports record that he was greeted on his journey back to the Cathedral by cheering crowds and rejoicing monks, but he faced increasing hostility by the authorities loyal to the king.

What miserable drones and traitors have I nurtured and promoted in my household who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born clerk! They attempted to arrest him but he refused.

Becket was persuaded by the monks to take refuge in the church, but the knights pursued him, bursting into the Cathedral with swords drawn, terrifying those inside by shouting:. Two of the other knights then started to attack Becket and most of the monks fled. Following the attack, this Mauclerk:. Eventually Becket was forced to agree in principle to the constitution but he never actually put pen to paper to sign the document. Becket remained in exile at the French court for 6 years.

The Connotation service was a privilege afforded to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Becket excommunicated the Archbishop of York and two other ministers who had performed the service without him.

On arrival at the Cathedral they laid their weapons down outside and went in unarmed to challenge Becket. Finding him inside they insisted he go to Winchester to give an account of his conduct but he staunchly refused.

The Knights rushed back outside for their swords and returned to Becket just as he reached the Alter. Next he received a second blow on the head, but still he stood firm and immovable. By this stroke, the crown of his head was separated from the head in such a way that the blood white with the brain, and the brain no less red from the blood, dyed the floor of the cathedral. The brutal assassination of Becket horrified Christian Europe and led to the once unpopular Archbishop being labelled a martyr by his church colleagues.

King Henry, who it is said knew nought of the mission, was likewise horrified and later paid penance for the sacrilegious murder of his old friend and enemy.

He walked barefoot to Canterbury Cathedral where a shrine to Becket had been erected, kissed the alter where the priest was slain and submitted to being flogged by local monks. Meanwhile the murderers fled to the North Country with the plan of crossing the border into Scotland. However the Scots did not welcome them and the threat of hanging drove them back to England where they gave themselves up to the King. The King refused to help them and so they journeyed to Rome to seek forgiveness from the Pope.