Becket controversy

The Becket controversy centered on the conflict between King Henry II of England and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the 12th century. Henry sought to assert royal authority over church affairs, but Becket opposed these efforts to protect church independence. Tensions escalated over issues like legal jurisdiction and church rights. In 1170, four knights misunderstanding royal anger assassinated Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral, shocking Europe. The event highlighted the struggle between church and state power, raising questions about authority, religious independence, and the limits of royal influence in ecclesiastical matters.