en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_no_one_rid_me_of_this_turbulent_priest%3F
1 correction found
In May 1172, Henry did public penance in Avranches Cathedral.
This mixes up two different events. At Avranches in May 1172 Henry II was publicly absolved; his well-known public penance took place later, in July 1174 at Becket’s tomb in Canterbury.
Full reasoning
The historical record distinguishes Henry II's absolution at Avranches in 1172 from his public penance at Canterbury in 1174.
- An Oxford Companion to British History entry states that on 21 May 1172, at Avranches Cathedral, Henry II was publicly absolved by papal legates from complicity in Becket's murder.
- Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society states that "The following year, in July 1174, Henry II demonstrated his penance at the tomb" in Canterbury.
- The Becket Story likewise says that "it was not until 12 July 1174 that he underwent public penance at the tomb".
So the article's sentence is incorrect because it relocates Henry's public penance from Canterbury in 1174 to Avranches in May 1172, where the event was instead his public absolution.
3 sources
- Avranches, compromise of | Encyclopedia.com / The Oxford Companion to British History
On 21 May 1172, at Avranches cathedral (Normandy), Henry II was publicly absolved by papal legates from complicity in the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket...
- becket-biog - Canterbury History
The following year, in July 1174, Henry II demonstrated his penance at the tomb.
- Who was Thomas Becket? | The Becket Story
Although Henry II was pardoned by the Pope for his part in the events in May 1172, it was not until 12 July 1174 that he underwent public penance at the tomb.