Above all he clung to the alliance with the Papacy.

Henry was personally devout; and his devotion only bound him the more firmly to his father's system of friendship with Rome.

Gratitude and self-interest alike bound him to the Papal See.

Rome had saved him from ruin as a child; its legate had set the crown on his head; its threats and excommunications had foiled Lewis and built up again a royal party.

Above all it was Rome which could alone free him from his oath to the Charter, and which could alone defend him if like his father he had to front the baronage in arms.
[Sidenote: England and Rome] His temper was now to influence the whole system of government.