In 1164, Henry II of England was excommunicated by Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The dispute between Henry and Becket arose from Henry's attempts to control the English church, which Becket saw as an infringement on the church's independence. Henry was also involved in a personal dispute with Becket, who had been his close advisor but later grew more independent. The excommunication lasted for more than a year and was eventually lifted after Henry made concessions to the church.