John's reign also marked the end of the long struggle between Church and
state in England. This had begun in 1066 when the pope claimed that William had
promised to accept him as his feudal lord. William refused to accept this
claim. He had created Norman bishops and given them land on condition that they
paid homage to him. As a result it was not clear whether the bishops should
obey the Church or the king. Those kings and popes who wished to avoid conflict
left the matter alone. But some kings and popes wanted to increase their
authority. In such circumstances trouble could not be avoided.
The struggle was for both power and money.
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