Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket, also known as Saint Thomas Becket, was an English Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Here are some key points about his life and legacy:
- Birth and Early Life: Born in London in 1119 or 1120, Becket was the son of a wealthy merchant. He received a good education and was fluent in Latin, which was crucial for his later career.
- Career: Initially, Becket served as a clerk to Theobald of Canterbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury, where he gained recognition for his administrative skills. He was later appointed as Chancellor of England by King Henry II in 1155.
- Appointment as Archbishop: In 1162, upon the death of Theobald, Becket was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, a position which drastically changed his relationship with King Henry II. This appointment was seen as an attempt by Henry to control the Church through his loyal friend, but Becket's views on church independence and rights shifted significantly.
- Conflict with the King: Becket's insistence on the independence of the Church from royal control led to a fierce conflict with Henry II. The most famous point of contention was over the Constitutions of Clarendon (1164), which Becket initially accepted but later repudiated.
- Exile and Return: Due to the escalating tensions, Becket fled to France in 1164, where he remained in exile for six years. He returned to England in 1170 after a reconciliation with Henry II, but the conflict was not resolved.
- Martyrdom: On December 29, 1170, following a series of confrontations, four knights, allegedly spurred by Henry II's angry outburst, murdered Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. His death shocked Christendom, and he was quickly venerated as a martyr.
- Legacy: Becket's tomb became a popular pilgrimage site, famously depicted in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. He was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1173, and his feast day is celebrated on December 29.
For more detailed accounts, consider the following sources:
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