Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket was an English cleric and statesman who served as Lord Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. He is primarily remembered for his conflict with King Henry II over the rights of the Church, which ultimately led to his murder and subsequent veneration as a saint and martyr.
- Feast Day
- December 29
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Thomas Becket served as Lord Chancellor from 1155 to 1162 and as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his death in 1170.
- ›He engaged in a significant conflict with King Henry II regarding the rights and privileges of the Church.
- ›Becket was murdered by followers of King Henry II in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170.
- ›He was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1173 and is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.
- ›His shrine in Canterbury Cathedral became a major pilgrimage site.
- ›Becket's life and death have been the subject of numerous literary and artistic works throughout history.
Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London, Thomas à Becket
Canterbury Cathedral, London
Sword, Chasuble, Pilgrim's Staff, Pilgrim's Scrip
About Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket (c. 1119/1120 – 1170) was an English cleric and statesman who rose to prominence as Lord Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. His life is chiefly remembered for the dramatic and ultimately fatal conflict he engaged in with King Henry II of England over the rights and privileges of the Church. This struggle culminated in his assassination by knights loyal to the king, leading to his veneration as a saint and martyr.
Life and historical context
Born into a Norman family in London, Becket received an education that included time at Merton Priory and studies in London and Paris. He entered the service of Theobald of Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, quickly gaining his confidence and undertaking important missions. Theobald recommended Becket to King Henry II for the post of Lord Chancellor, a position Becket held from 1155 to 1162. Following Theobald's death, Henry appointed Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, perhaps hoping he would prioritize royal interests. However, Becket underwent a significant transformation, becoming more ascetic and fiercely defending the Church's autonomy.
Conflict and martyrdom
A major rift developed between Becket and Henry II as Becket resisted the king's efforts to increase royal control over the Church. This led to a series of confrontations, including the dispute over the jurisdiction of secular courts over clergy. In 1164, Becket was summoned to a trial for contempt of royal authority and malfeasance, convicted, and subsequently fled to France, spending six years in exile. A compromise was eventually reached through papal mediation, allowing Becket's return to England in 1170. However, the dispute persisted, culminating in his murder on December 29, 1170, by four knights in Canterbury Cathedral. While the exact words uttered by Henry II that may have incited the attack are debated, the event was widely perceived as a consequence of the king's anger.
Legacy and veneration
Following his death, veneration of Thomas Becket as a martyr began rapidly throughout Europe. He was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1173. His shrine at Canterbury Cathedral became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Europe, attracting vast numbers of devotees. The story of his life and martyrdom inspired numerous contemporary biographies and later artistic and literary works, including Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Despite the destruction of his shrine during the Reformation, Becket remains a significant figure in Christian history, venerated by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Thomas Becket born and when did he die?
Thomas Becket was born on December 21, 1119, or 1120, and died on December 29, 1170.
What was Thomas Becket's role before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury?
Before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket served as the Lord Chancellor of England from 1155 to 1162.
Why did Thomas Becket conflict with King Henry II?
Becket's conflict with King Henry II arose from Becket's increasing asceticism and his resistance to the king's attempts to reassert royal prerogatives over the Church.
How did Thomas Becket die?
Thomas Becket was murdered on December 29, 1170, by four knights loyal to King Henry II in Canterbury Cathedral, after a dispute with the crown continued.
When was Thomas Becket canonized and by whom?
Thomas Becket was canonized by Pope Alexander III on February 21, 1173, just over two years after his death.
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