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.