[1] Scutage:  from the Latin scutum, a shield; the understanding being that he who would not take his shield and do battle for the King should pay enough to hire one who would.  The scutage was assessed at two marks.  Later, the assessment varied.  The mark was two thirds of a pound of silver by weight, or thirteen shillings and fourpence ($3.20).  Reckoned in modern money, the tax was probably at least twenty times two marks, or about $128.

Later in his reign Henry supplemented this tax by the passage of the Assize of Arms, a law which revived the national militia (SS96, 150) and placed it at his command for home service.  By these two measures the King made himself practically independent of the barons, and thus gained a greater degree of power than any previous ruler had possessed.

162.  Thomas Becket.

There was, however, one man in Henry’s kingdom—­his Lord Chancellor (S145), Thomas Becket—­who was always ready to serve him.  At his own expense the Chancellor now equipped seven hundred knights, and, crossing the Channel, fought valiantly for the suppression of the rebellion in Toulouse (S161) in the south of France. (See map facing p. 84.)

Shortly after Becket’s return from the Continent Henry resolved to appoint him Archbishop of Canterbury.  Becket knew that the King purposed beginning certain Church reforms with which he was not in sympathy, and declined the office.  But Henry would take no denial.  At last Becket consented, but he warned the King that he should uphold the rights of the clergy.  He now became the head of the Catholic Church in England.  He was the first man of English birth called to that exalted position since the Norman Conquest.

This promotion made a decided change in Becket’s relation to the King.  So long as he was Chancellor he was bound to do what the King ordered, but as soon as he was made Archbishop he became the servant of the Church.  Again, on his assumption of this sacred office Becket underwent a remarkable charge of character.  He had been a man of the world, fond of pomp and pleasure.  He now gave up all luxury and show.  He put on sackcloth, lived on bread and water, and spent his nights in prayer, tearing his flesh with a scourge.

163.  Becket’s First Quarrel with the King.

The new Archbishop’s presentiment of trouble soon proved true.  Becket had hardly taken his seat when a quarrel broke out between him and the King.  In his need for money Henry levied a tax on all lands, whether belonging to the barons or to churchmen.  Becket opposed this tax.[1] He was willing, he said, that the clergy should contribute, if they desired to do so, but not that they should be compelled to pay the tax.

[1] See page 76, note 1, on Clergy.

The King declared with an oath that all should pay alike; the Archbishop vowed with equal determination that not a single penny should be collected from the Church.  From that time the King and Becket never met again as friends.