Mother Knows Best: The Empress Matilda in the Becket Controversy*

Abstract Matilda, the mother of King Henry II, was a formidable presence in mid-twelfth century England (and in the sprawling continental empire of which it was a part). Her father, Henry I of England, left with no legitimate male issue, arranged for his nobles to swear allegiance to her claim to the English throne. Deprived of the crown as a result of its usurpation by her cousin Stephen of Blois, she eventually raised an army and invaded England to press her cause. After a period of fourteen years, the conflict was resolved by an agreement that Stephen would retain the crown for the remainder of his life, after which the monarchy would be transferred to her son, Henry, which occurred in 1154. The new king would initially become close to his chancellor, Thomas Becket. But Henry’s selection of Becket to be archbishop of Canterbury would lead to a monumental conflict between church and crown that culminated—as we all know—in the “murder in the cathedral.” For all that has been written about these myriad events, no systematic study has been undertaken of the relations (direct and indirect) between Henry II’s mother and Becket. The paper brings together the available evidence concerning the linkages of Matilda with Becket. I examine the period of Becket’s exile from England up until Matilda’s death in 1167. In my view, surveying Becket’s world from the perspective of Matilda provides unique insight into the volatile English ecclesiastical and secular politics during their respective lifetimes.