A council of nobles and bishops held…

A council of nobles and bishops held at Clarendon Palace passes the Constitutions of Clarendon, which creates a compromise between Church and state in the Kingdom of England.

Promulgated in 1164, the Consitutions specify the extent of state control over the church and the clergy and the competence of church courts.

Becket, severely pressured by Henry, at first submits, but later recants, leading to a fierce verbal battle and Becket’s exile to France.

Churchmen and nobles appeal to Pope Alexander III to moderate the intransigent stance taken by both sides.