The Church & Religion in Medieval & Early Modern UK: The Case of Becket

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
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The Church & Religion in Medieval & Early Modern UK: The Case of Becket

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to Thomas Becket and his Conflict with the King

Thomas Becket was a close friend of King Henry II and served as Archbishop of Canterbury. However, their relationship broke down over issues of church authority versus royal control. Becket defended church rights against the king's attempts to influence church decisions.

Source A: Excerpt from a medieval chronicle

'Becket's refusal to bow to royal demands was seen as a challenge to the king's authority, leading to growing tensions.' Provenance: 13th-century historical account.

1.
Explain why Thomas Becket and King Henry II had a conflict. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the perspectives in Source A with what you know about the conflict between Becket and the king. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
B

The Murder of Thomas Becket

In 1170, four knights believed they were acting on King Henry II's orders when they murdered Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. This event shocked England and Europe, as Becket was seen as a martyr.

Source B: A letter from a contemporary monk

'The killing of Becket was a tragic act that turned him into a saint and martyr, inspiring many to see him as a symbol of religious resistance.' Provenance: 12th-century religious correspondence.

1.
Outline the events that led to Becket's murder. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Analyse the significance of Becket's murder for the reputation of the Church. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
C

The Aftermath and Consequences

After Becket's death, he was canonized as a saint in 1173, and his shrine in Canterbury became a major pilgrimage site, which brought wealth and influence to the Church.

Source C: A modern historian's view

'Becket's martyrdom and canonization reinforced the power of the Church and demonstrated the danger of challenging religious authority.'

1.
Explain how Becket's martyrdom affected the power of the Church. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the views of the modern historian with the historical sources about the impact of Becket's martyrdom. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
D

Summary and Reflection

The conflict between Thomas Becket and King Henry II, his murder, and subsequent martyrdom had profound effects on the relationship between the Church and the monarchy, shaping medieval religious and political history.

Question: Write a paragraph summarizing the cause and consequence of Becket's conflict and martyrdom.

1.
Write a paragraph summarizing the causes and consequences of Becket's conflict with the king and his murder. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet