Thomas Becket

Thomas Becket Memorial Plaque on Cheapside

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Thomas Becket (also known as Thomas à Becket; 21 December c. 1119 – 29 December 1170) was an English clergyman who rose to become the Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket is best known for his conflict with King Henry II of England over the rights and privileges of the Church and his subsequent martyrdom. He was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1173, just three years after his death.

Early Life

Thomas Becket was born around 1119 in Cheapside, London, to a prosperous merchant family. He received an excellent education in both secular and religious studies, showing early on a talent for administration and a deep commitment to the clerical life. His early career was marked by rapid advancement; he served as an agent to Theobald of Bec, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, who sent him to study canon law in Bologna and Auxerre.

Rise to Power

Upon his return to England, Becket's administrative skills and loyalty to Theobald led to his appointment as Archdeacon of Canterbury. His influence and reputation grew, and in 1154, he was appointed Chancellor of England by the new king, Henry II. As Chancellor, Becket proved to be a loyal servant to the king, enforcing the king's will with vigor and efficiency. His relationship with Henry II was close, both professionally and personally, until 1162 when he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury.

Archbishop of Canterbury

Becket's appointment as Archbishop marked a turning point in his life and career. He underwent a transformation, adopting an ascetic lifestyle and becoming a zealous defender of the Church's rights. This put him at odds with King Henry II, who sought to diminish the Church's power and bring it under royal control. The conflict between Becket and Henry II centered on the issue of clerical immunity and the jurisdiction of secular courts over the clergy. The most significant point of contention was the Constitutions of Clarendon, a set of legislative procedures established by Henry II in 1164, which Becket refused to endorse.

Martyrdom

The conflict between Becket and the king led to a series of confrontations and periods of exile for Becket. In 1170, believing that they could reconcile their differences, Becket returned to England. However, the situation escalated, and on 29 December 1170, four knights, believing they were acting on the king's wishes, murdered Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. The murder shocked the Christian world and led to Becket's rapid canonization as a martyr for the faith.

Legacy

Thomas Becket's legacy is complex. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. His life and death have been the subject of numerous works of art, literature, and drama, including T.S. Eliot's play "Murder in the Cathedral." The site of his martyrdom in Canterbury Cathedral became a major pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages, known as the Canterbury Pilgrimage, and remains an important historical and religious site today.