Henry's subsequent execution of England's premier cleric, comparable with the murder of Thomas Beckett, would probably have led to Henry's excommunication but the church was in schism, with two competing popes keen on Henry's support, and protested but took no action.
Henry's subsequent execution of England's premier cleric would probably have led to Henry's excommunication. This was comparable with the murder of Thomas Beckett. The church was in schism. This was with two competing popes keen on Henry's support, and protested. Henry's subsequent execution of England's premier cleric took no action. This was comparable with the murder of Thomas Beckett.