Constitutions of Clarendon: Henry II issued a set of laws known as the Constitutions of Clarendon in 1164. These laws sought to limit the power and privileges of the Church in England, particularly with respect to the appointment of bishops and the jurisdiction over clergy accused of crimes. Becket, as the Archbishop of Canterbury, opposed the Constitutions as an infringement on the Church's autonomy.
Ecclesiastical immunity: Henry II wanted to assert his control over the clergy and bring them under the jurisdiction of the royal courts. Becket, on the other hand, believed that the clergy should only be subject to ecclesiastical courts, arguing for the Church's right to govern its own affairs.
Appointment of bishops: Henry II wanted to have a say in the appointment of bishops, ensuring that they were loyal to him and supportive of his policies. Becket insisted that the selection of bishops should be based solely on religious merit, without royal interference.
Conflict over jurisdiction: The conflict escalated when a clerk named Philip de Brois was accused of a crime and was claimed by both the royal courts and the ecclesiastical court. Becket refused to surrender the clerk to the royal courts, arguing that it violated the Church's jurisdiction.
The disagreement between Henry II and Becket symbolized a broader struggle between the monarchy and the Church over control and authority. The conflict culminated in the assassination of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 by knights loyal to Henry II. The murder of Becket led to a significant backlash and eventually resulted in Henry II making concessions and reaffirming the Church's privileges and independence.