Thomas Becket

Thomas Becket was a central figure in the twelfth-century struggle between church and state.

Born in London around 1119 or 1120, he was the son of Gilbert and Matilda. His father, Gilbert, was a merchant and property owner in London.

Becket received a formal education in the trivium and quadrivium. He studied at Merton Priory in Surrey and a grammar school in London. He also spent time in Paris, though his Latin remained somewhat rudimentary at that stage. Later, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Theobald of Bec, mentored him. Theobald sent Becket to study canon law in Bologna and Auxerre. These experiences prepared Becket for high-ranking roles in both the church and the government.

Becket's career moved through several significant stages of leadership. In 1154, he was named Archdeacon of Canterbury. His efficiency in this role led King Henry II to appoint him Lord Chancellor in January 1155. As chancellor, Becket managed the king's traditional sources of revenue. This included taxes from landowners, churches, and bishoprics.

In 1162, following the death of Theobald, Becket was nominated as Archbishop of Canterbury. His election was confirmed by a royal council of bishops and noblemen on 23 May 1162. This transition marked a major shift in his life. He moved from being a royal official to an ascetic religious leader.

A major conflict emerged between Becket and King Henry II regarding legal jurisdiction. The king sought to expand royal authority over the clergy through the Constitutions of Clarendon.

In 1164, the king held an assembly at Clarendon Palace to gain consent for these rules. While many clergy members agreed, Becket refused to formally sign the documents. This disagreement led to a trial at Northampton Castle in October 1164. Becket was convicted of contempt and malfeasance, prompting him to flee to the Continent. He spent nearly two years in exile, receiving protection from King Louis VII of France.

Becket eventually returned to England in 1170 after the king offered a compromise.

The tension reached a breaking point due to Becket's religious actions. In November 1170, Becket excommunicated several high-ranking officials, including the Archbishop of York. These officials had participated in a coronation that breached Canterbury's traditional privileges. Upon hearing of these actions, Henry II reportedly expressed anger toward the "turbulent priest."

While historians debate the exact words the king used, his followers interpreted his frustration as a command. Four knights—Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, and Richard le Breton—set out to confront the archbishop. They traveled to Canterbury to demand that Becket submit to the king's will.

The assassination occurred on 29 December 1170 inside Canterbury Cathedral.

The knights arrived and hid their armor under cloaks to enter the cathedral. They confronted Becket during the vespers service. When Becket refused to submit, the knights drew their swords. The monks attempted to lock the doors for safety, but Becket ordered them to remain open. He told the attackers, "I am no traitor and I am ready to die." Becket was killed near the stairs leading to the crypt and the quire. One contemporary biographer, Edward Grim, was also wounded during the attack.

Following his death, Becket's status changed rapidly within the Christian world. Many people viewed him as a martyr because he died for his religious convictions.

Two years after his death, on 21 February 1173, Pope Alexander III canonized him. He became a highly venerated saint in both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Some accounts claim that a hairshirt was found under his robes, suggesting he practiced penance. His death turned Canterbury into a major site for pilgrims.

The legacy of his conflict continues to be studied through many historical sources.

Our understanding of Becket comes from a wide variety of historical documents. Many contemporary biographers wrote about his life, including John of Salisbury and Edward Grim. Others remained anonymous, known only as Anonymous I, II, or III.

We also rely on medieval chronicles written by figures like Roger of Howden and William of Newburgh. These texts, along with works like the *Quadrilogus*, provide the details of his rise and fall. This body of writing helps historians trace the complex relationship between the English monarchy and the medieval church. The life of Thomas Becket remains a significant study in the history of political and religious power.