1-152-211 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

St Anselm reluctantly accepting the Archbishopric of Canterbury, 1093 (1864). Anselm (1033-1109), an Italian-born Benedictine monk was an influential philosopher and theologian, who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093. He was reluctant to accept the investiture from King William II (Rufus) of England, believing that it was the prerogative of the Pope, Urban II, whom William refused to recognise. The king eventually relented and allowed Anselm to be invested by the Pope's legate. Anselm proposed reforms to the Church, which were deeply unpopular, and William banished him and confiscated the property of the diocese of Canterbury when he travelled to Rome to seek papal support for his proposals. Anselm was recalled by William's successor, Henry I.