The Unmaking of a Saint: Thomas Becket and the English Reformation

Abstract

long and complex relationship between Church and State in Western Christendom-both creative and destructive-is particularly well illustrated by examining history of England, especially relations between various English monarchs and Church. More specifically, by focusing on rise, importance, and, especially, fall of cult of St. Thomas Becket from twelfth century through sixteenth century, we can gain some valuable insights into complex series of events known as English Reformation.1 From late eleventh century onward, a process of centralization was underway in both Church and State. Norman Conquest (1066) greatly accelerated this process of state building by Anglo-Norman kings, and this same era witnessed rising power and influence of Papacy. In fact, it has been argued that papal influence in England was generally at its peak in century and a half from Conquest to death of King John (1216).2 Yet, it was during reign of John's father, Henry II,3 that some of most dramatic Church-State conflicts occurred. Ironically, Henry assumed English crown in same year11 54-as Nicholas Breakspear ascended papal throne as Hadrian IV, only English pope in history. It was, arguably, more than just a desire to extend church reforms throughout Europe that induced Hadrian to bestow upon Henry II overlordship of Ireland.4 In same period, Henry appointed his good friend, Thomas Becket, as Chancellor of England. Becket, in general, proved to be a staunch royalist, and it was during this period that cause for canonization of Edward Confessor was brought to a successful completion.5 new pope, Alexander III (1159-1181), desired to regularize canonization process and bring it under papal control. Thus, in 1161 pious English king, Edward Confessor, was declared to be a saint, first English saint to be formally canonized by a pope.6 In that same year Archbishop of Canterbury, Theobald, died and way was open for Henry to appoint his own man, Thomas Becket, as primate of English Church. For his part, Thomas, evidently perceiving not just opportunities but potential perils of such a step, was somewhat reluctant to accept this exalted position. But in end he accepted and was consecrated at Canterbury Cathedral in June, 1162.7 After assuming office of Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket began to change; prelate's devotion to God and Church became even more consuming than chancellor's devotion to king and State.8 Becket decided that he could no longer serve two masters and, therefore, he resigned chancellorship, to king's great regret. conflict heated up considerably in 1164 when Henry issued The Constitutions of Clarendon, which were said to contain recognized customs and rights of kingdom.9 Among sixteen articles were stipulations which: prevented clerics accused of crimes from circumventing royal courts; prohibited clergy from leaving England king's permission; and banned ecclesiastical appeals to papal court without assent of lord king.10 Although Henry was within his rights on strictly historical grounds, Becket argued that custom had to give way when it conflicted with canon law and Holy Scripture. Although Becket had given way in short run, he could not ultimately support royal decrees because they, in effect, viewed king as the real head and master of English church.12 Relations between king and archbishop continued to deteriorate and in November, 1164, Becket fled England and spent six years in exile. Although Alexander III supported Becket with regard to rights and independence of Church, pope was somewhat embarrassed by archbishop's undiplomatic zeal and danger of a schism in Church.13 Henry and Thomas finally achieved a partial reconciliation in 1170, but deeply rooted personal and ideological differences remained. …