Contemporary reports record that he was greeted on his journey back to the Cathedral by cheering crowds and rejoicing monks, but he faced increasing hostility by the authorities loyal to the king. This act was to have devastating consequences upon his return to England.īecket returned from exile on 1 December 1170. Before leaving France Becket issued three letters expelling (excommunicating) the Archbishop of York and two bishops from the Church. However, his final act was to punish those involved in the unauthorised coronation. Following this, the Archbishop and the king spoke privately for the first time since 1164, and Henry promised to restore Becket's rights as Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket was reassured that it would be safe to return to England. Becket appealed to the Pope and, under significant pressure, Henry agreed to reopen negotiations. His most blatant snub of his old friend's authority was his decision to have his son, Henry the Young King, crowned in June 1170 by Becket's long-standing enemy, the Archbishop of York. During this time Henry flexed his power in England. He refused to accept the terms of his punishment and, fearing further repercussions from the king, he fled to France.īecket remained in exile in France for six years. By 1164, tensions were at an all-time high and, in October, Becket was summoned to appear before the King's council and ordered to forfeit all his personal property. A series of disputes ensued regarding the division of power between the Crown and the Church. From this point on, Becket's relationship with Henry began to deteriorate. His actions drove a wedge between him and the king which would never be repaired. However, at some point during the rest of that year, and against the king's wishes, Becket resigned as Chancellor. Becket was appointed Archbishop on and consecrated (officially blessed) on 3 June. With Becket in both positions, Henry saw an opportunity to exercise greater authority over the Church as well as the state. Henry was keen to appoint his close friend to the role but, crucially, he wanted him to continue as Chancellor. Given his lifestyle and reputation he was an unlikely candidate but the king had other ideas. When the position of Archbishop of Canterbury became vacant, Becket was put forward. Becket embraced life in the royal court: he is said by his contemporary biographers to have enjoyed vast wealth, throwing lavish parties, decorating his residences with beautiful furnishings and making numerous journeys to France on his own ships. He and the king quickly became close friends, hunting, gaming and travelling around England together. Recognising his talents, Theobald suggested that Henry II appoint Becket as Chancellor of England. Becket was described by his contemporaries as intelligent, charming and authoritative and, in 1155, he got his biggest break. Becket was sent to school at Merton Priory and, after a few years studying in Paris, he eventually gained employment through one of his father's friends as a clerk for Theobald, the then Archbishop of Canterbury. His father was a well-connected merchant but the family were neither excessively wealthy nor powerful. Here we explore Becket's rise and fall, and unpick the events that led to the murder that shook the Middle Ages.īecket was a second-generation French immigrant, born around 1120 in Cheapside, in the City of London, to Gilbert and Matilda, who had left Normandy following the Norman Conquest. It is a story of betrayal, of the perceived abuse of power and those who fall for standing in the way of the Crown. Initially a close friend of King Henry II, the two men became engaged in a bitter dispute that culminated in Becket's shocking murder by knights with close ties to the king. Becket was one of the most powerful figures of his time, serving as royal Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. The assassination of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170 changed the course of history.
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