What are facts about Becket's life and death?

Answer 1

Thomas Becket was born on the December 21, 1118 in Cheapside, London. His family was well off, his father, Gilbert Becket, a was a merchant. His mother was called Matilda.

He was educated in France, Italy and England. When he returned to England, he was noticed by Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury. The latter sent Thomas on several important missions to Rome. Theobald recommended Thomas to Henry II as Lord Chancellor when the post was free.

Thomas got the job and became a loyal friend to the king. Henry II was not very happy with the church; he was angry that the clergy was tried in the church court, which had much lighter punishments than the kings court. When Theobald died in 1139, Henry appointed Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury. He hoped this would give him more control over the church.

But when Thomas was the Archbishop, he changed his lifestyle. He became more holy and spent more time praying. He also refused to carry out the kings wishes.

Henry became so angry, Thomas fled to France. He remained there until Henry found him and they called a truce.

But once back in England, Thomas expelled the priests who had supported Henry against him. Henry heard of this and was furious. He shouted "who will rid me of this troublesome priest?" Four knights heard him and set off to Canterbury to sort Becket out. They murdered him with four blows with swords. He died at the cathedral on 29 December 1170.

24 years after his death, on July 12, 1194, he was canonized by Pope Alexander III. He is recognized as both a saint and a martyr.

Answer 2

Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century and clashed with King Henry II over the power struggle between church and state. He was assassinated by four knights in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, leading to his martyrdom and subsequent veneration by the Catholic Church. Becket's murder had significant political and religious implications in medieval England.