Question

Henry II wanted the churchmen to be under his power in the king's law courts. To get his own way, he gave his friend Thomas Becket the ___________.

• A. Archbishopship of Canterbury
• B. Archbishopship of Cologne
• C. Archbishopship of Toulouse
• D. Archbishopship of Magdeburg

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Archbishopship of Canterbury

Henry II, however, undoubtedly aimed at a complete return to the practice of Henry I, who had strict control over the church. He had begun to press his claims, and his chancellor had aided him.

With the death of Theobald in 1161, Henry hoped to appoint Thomas as archbishop and thus complete his program. For almost a year after the death of Theobald, the see of Canterbury was vacant. Thomas was aware of the king’s intention and tried to dissuade him by warnings of what would happen. Henry persisted and Thomas was elected. Once consecrated, Thomas changed both his outlook and his way of life. Hence, Option A is correct.

Saint Heribert was the archbishop of Cologne, Tagino was of Magdeburg and Amelius Raymond du Puy (1105–1139) and Raymond de Lautrec (1140–1163) were the bishops of Toulouse in France in Henry II's reign, hence, incorrect.