King Henry II
Judicial/Court System
Thomas Becket
Personal Opinion
100

Who was Henry II?

An important king of England.

100

What is trial by ordeal?

To prove their innocence, people had to go through dangerous ordeals. If they survived that meant that God deemed them innocent.
100

Who was Thomas Becket?

A friend of Henry II who was appointed to be Archbishop of Canterbury.

100

Do you think King Henry II was responsible for the assassination of Thomas Becket? Explain your answer.

Answers will vary.

Yes; Henry shared his frustration at a dinner party which led to four of the guests killing Becket.

No; Henry was frustrated but didn't order anyone to kill Thomas Becket.

200

What did Henry II do to noblemen?

Placed a tax on the nobles.

200
Did King Henry II support trial by ordeal?

No, King Henry II eliminated trial by ordeal.

200

Name an event that led to the assassination of Thomas Becket.

1. Thomas Becket disagreed with Henry II's idea to limit the power of the Church.

2. King Henry II said "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?" at a royal dinner.

3. Four knights killed Thomas Becket in the Canterbury Cathedral.

200

What are some of the positive things King Henry II did during his reign? (Name at least 2 positives)

Restore power/authority to the English monarchy.

Reformed the court system.

Found a new way to make an army.

300

What did Henry II want to do to the Church?

Reduce the amount of power the Church had.

300

How were cases "heard" under Henry II's reign?

Henry II appointed people to travel to towns to hear cases (these are called circuit courts).

300

How did King Henry II respond to Thomas Becket's murder?

Henry was upset and blamed himself for Becket's death. He never forgave himself for the death of his friend.

300

What are some of the negative things King Henry II did during his reign? (Name at least 2 negatives)

Ordered that any castles built without his royal approval be torn down.

Treated those that questioned his authority mercilessly.

His merciless nature might have led to the murder of Thomas Becket.

400

Which branch of government did Henry II change?

The judicial system (the system of law and order).

400

How was common law developed?

The decisions made by circuit court judges helped develop common law.

400

How did the pope respond to Thomas Becket's murder?

The pope declared Thomas Becket a very holy person.

400

Was King Henry II a good King of England? Why?

Answers will vary.