Strutt, Joseph; Planché, James R. [Oth.]: The regal and ecclesiastical antiquities of England: containing the representations of all the English monarchs, from Edward the Confessor to Henry the Eighth (London, 1842)

OF THE ENGLISH.

145

PLATE IX.

Number I.—The delineation copied in the top compartment of this plate
represents the banished relations of Becket, after they were landed in Flanders,
journeying in search of him.

Number II.—The interview between the Archbishop and his friends, is
delineated in the middle compartment of this plate. They informed him of the
rigorous sentence which had been pronounced against them, by the king, made
known their wants, and implored his protection. There is great expression of
anger in the action and countenance of the proud prelate, as he is drawn by the
illuminator. Becket it seems complained very bitterly, against the injustice of the
king's conduct; but it does not appear that he was able to afford assistance, of any
great extent, to his suffering relatives ; for he himself declares, in his letter to the
Pope, that those unfortunate dependants were reduced to very great hardships.

Number III__The bottom compartment contains the Archbishop's interview

with the Pope, when he took the ring from his finger and presented it to his holi-
ness ; this action was considered as a formal resignation of his See into the hands of
the Roman Pontiff. Not only the king, but the generality of the clergy of England,
were offended at Becket's submission to the Pope, which they considered as a pre-
cedent of a very dangerous import; and it was the occasion of many serious dis-
putes, between the party who supported the prerogative of the king, and the favourers
of the Archbishop. Becket himself was not behind-hand in fomenting these dis-
cords, seeking every opportunity he could to oppose the determinations of the king,
and to stir up the minds of his subjects against him.

There could be no doubt but that the submission of Becket to the Pope would

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