y. King Henry believed that by having "his man" in the top post of the Church, he could easily impose his will upon this powerful religious institution, but he was sadly mistaken. Becket's allegiance shifted from the court to the Church inspiring him to take a stand against his king. In a church court issue in 1163 Henry thought he had the chance to change the laws to extend his courts' jurisdiction over the clergy. Becket vacillated in his support of the king, finally refusing to agree to changes in the law. Becket fled to France, remaining in exile for six years. The two former friends appeared to resolve their dispute in 1170 when King Henry and Becket met in Normandy (Wilson, 433). On November 30, Becket crossed the Channel returning to his post at Canterbury. Earlier, while in France, Becket had excommunicated the Bishops of London and Salisbury for their support of the king. Now, Becket remained steadfast in his refusal to pardon the bishops. This news threw King Henry (still in France) into a rage in which he was purported to shout: "What sluggards, what cowards have I brought up in my court, who care nothing for their allegiance to their lord. Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest." His outrage inspired four knights to sail to England to rid the realm of this annoying prelate. They arrived at Canterbury during the afternoon of December 29 and immediately searched for the Archbishop. Becket fled to the Cathedral where a service was in progress. The knights found him at the altar, drew their swords and began hacking at their victim finally splitting his skull. The death of Becket frightened the king (Alexander, 125). The knights, who did the deed to curry the king's favor, fell into disgrace. Four years later, in an act of penance, the king donned a sackcloth walking barefoot through the streets of Canterbury while eighty monks flogged him with branches (Wilson 433). King Henry II made some achievements that helped England...
