To Henry himself Thomas was a welcome companion and intimate friend, both at court and in the chase, aiding the king in his policy of gathering all power into the hands of the monarchy, even when that policy went against claims of the church. When news of Becket’s actions reached Henry he was infuriated and, #10 Becket was declared a saint by Pope Alexander III, Soon after his death many people throughout Europe started venerating Becket as a martyr. After his return, Becket continued to carry excommunications against royal servants and refused to lift the excommunication of Roger of York. He excommunicated all those who were responsible, including Roger of York. The post of Lord Chancellor was vacant and Theobald recommended Becket to King Henry II. In 1154 Theobald, as a reward of his services, appointed Thomas archdeacon of Canterbury, an important and lucrative post, and less than three months later recommended him to Henry as chancellor. Remember that this occurred before the Protestant Reformation, meaning that the Catholic Church was the only Church. Trusted completely by the king, Thomas was compared by a biographer to Joseph under Pharaoh. More serious in the eyes of contemporaries was his refusal to surrender his archdeaconry while neglecting its duties, and his extraction of scutage (payment in lieu of military service) at a high rate from ecclesiastical fiefs. When he was 24, his father secured a position for Thomas in the household of Theobald of Bec, the Archbishop of Canterbury. There is no foundation for the story. Is this just another tale of a King and trusted confidantes relationship turned sour? More Facts Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his assassination in 1170 and was also popular as Saint Thomas of Canterbury or Thomas of London. The major point of disagreement was about clerks (churchmen) who were accused of committing a serious crime. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The description of the procession of men, beasts, and carriages laden with objects of luxury that accompanied him as envoy to Paris in 1158 is one of the highlights of William FitzStephen’s Life of Saint Thomas (c. 1170). In general, there can be no doubt that in public affairs he was the king’s man, even when Henry endeavoured to reassert what he claimed to be his ancestral rights. He must also have enjoyed the satisfaction of moving in a rank of society to which he had not been born. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. He was the son of Gilbert and Matilda Becket. This led to an increasing feud between the two. In 1170, Henry’s eldest son was crowned as co-king by Roger de Pont L’Évêque, the Archbishop of York. Thomas Becket was the son of Norman settlers who lived in the city of London. Henry also claimed that Becket had stolen £300 from government funds when he had been Chancellor. When news of Becket’s actions reached Henry he was infuriated and spoke some violent words. Becket was born in Cheapside, London. Thomas Becket's life and death were remarkable. He was an intelligent child, who also enjoyed playing sports and hunting. Henry sensed this as an opportunity to assert royal supremacy over the English Church by appointing Becket as the next archbishop. Thomas was born to Norman parents of the merchant class. The name "Becket" is likely a nickname, possibly meaning beak or nose, which was given to his father. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Thomas-Becket, Heritage History - Biography of Saint Thomas a Becket, History Learning Site - Biography of Thomas Becket, Thomas Becket - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Thomas à Becket - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Corrections? Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Some suggest that as a young man Becket studied in Paris under Thomas M… His exile lasted for six years. Thomas Becket, the only son of Gilbert Becket, a wealthy Norman merchant living in London, and his wife Matilda, was born on 21st December, 1120. He was educated first at Merton priory, then in a City of London school, and finally at Paris. His colleagues were a distinguished company that included the political philosopher John of Salisbury, the Roman lawyer Vacarius, and several future bishops, including Roger of Pont l’Évêque, later archbishop of York. Deeply influenced in childhood by a devout mother who died when he was 21, Thomas entered adult life as a city clerk and accountant in the service of the sheriffs. Whether Becket was fully satisfied with his life as chancellor is another matter. (1) Upon completing his early education, he was admitted to the University of Paris. Soon after his death many people throughout Europe started venerating Becket as a martyr. Becket spend six years in exile. Thomas Becket and Henry II were more than a King and his servant, Thomas Becket was the King’s friend and confidante. Thomas Becket was an English priest, and Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. Thomas Becket, also known as Thomas-a-Becket or Thomas à Becket (1118-1170), was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 to 1170 AD. Like it is said that once Becket was disturbed in his devotions by the songs of a nightingale and hence commanded that none should ever sing in the town of Otford in Kent again, leading to the absence of nightingales in Otford. After becoming archbishop, Thomas Becket went through a drastic transformation and changed his entire lifestyle. Historians debate over the reasons for this famous transformation. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed in December 1170. The first serious cause of friction was the problem of "criminous clerks"—clergy accuse… He was an intelligent child, who also enjoyed playing sports and hunting. However, he later fell out of favor with the king and was murdered. Henry’s attitude is less easy to identify, but the efficiency and intelligence of Thomas must have recommended him to a king surrounded by uneducated and at times truculent barons. This was undermining the authority of the pope as only Thomas Becket, as Archbishop of Canterbury, had the right to crown English monarchs. Henry wanted the royal court to get involved as he felt that the present situation prevented him from governing effectively and undercut law and order in England. They asked Becket to give an account of his actions to the king. Thomas Becket and Henry II. Henry II, however, undoubtedly aimed at a complete return to the practice of Henry I, who had strict control over the church. His place of birth was London in England. Thomas won Theobald’s confidence, acted as his agent, and was sent by him to study civil and canon law at Bologna and Auxerre. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In 1154, Theobald appointed Thomas Becket as Archdeacon of Canterbury, a senior clergy position. Interesting Facts and information about Thomas Becket in the Medieval era of the Middle Ages. With the pope behind him, Becket became strong. When he refused they followed him to the cathedral, where on further altercation, they murdered him with their swords. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He proved to be an able aide to Henry and helped in gathering power for the monarchy even when it was against the interests of the church. Omissions? He made himself agreeable to all around him, and his biographers attest that he led a chaste life—in this respect uninfluenced by the king. Like it is said that once Becket was disturbed in his devotions by the songs of a nightingale and hence commanded that none should ever sing in the town of, 10 Major Achievements of Tang Dynasty of China, 10 Interesting Facts About The Cuban Missile Crisis, 5 Most Famous Myths Featuring The Greek Goddess Hestia, 10 Most Famous Myths Featuring The Greek God Hephaestus, 10 Most Famous Novels In Russian Literature, 10 Most Famous Russian Novelists And Their Best Novels, 10 Major Accomplishments of Napoleon Bonaparte, 10 Major Achievements of The Ancient Inca Civilization, 10 Facts About The Rwandan Genocide In 1994, Black Death | 10 Facts On The Deadliest Pandemic In History, 10 Interesting Facts About The American Revolution, 10 Facts About Trench Warfare In World War I, 10 Interesting Facts About The Aztecs And Their Empire, 10 Major Battles of the American Civil War, 10 Major Effects of the French Revolution, 10 Most Famous Poems By African American Poets. Theobald of Bec died in 1161 leaving vacant the post of Archbishop of Canterbury, the most important position in the church in Medieval England. Here are 10 interesting facts about the life and death of Saint Thomas Becket. Ecclesiastical courts were limited in their punishment and didn’t allow killing anyone. Archbishop Thomas Becket was martyred on 29 December 1170, brutally murdered in front of the altar at Canterbury Cathedral. He grew up to be very powerful. He became devout and austere and embraced the integral program of the papacy and its canon law. According to a contemporary writer, Thomas Becket was the son of Gilbert Becket… In its program, free elections to clerical posts, inviolability of church property, freedom of appeal to Rome, and clerical immunity from lay tribunals were leading points. Becket’s death remains one of the most famous stories associated with Medieval England. He is a patron saint of secular clergy (priests and deacons who serve pastorally in parishes). He had one sibling, Mary. His bourgeois family was originally from Caen, Normandy. As a boy, Thomas studied with the Augustinian canons at Merton Priory and later at the cathedral school of St. Paul. When Becket refused, the king confiscated his property. After three years he was introduced by his father to Archbishop Theobald, a former abbot of Bec, of whose household he became a member. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Anglican Communion. Thomas Becket was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, England’s highest religious position, in 1162 under the reign of Henry II. Thomas Becket. Take advantage of our Presidents' Day bonus! By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Being a second son, there was little else he could do but enter the church, which he did as a deacon. His fame spread and his life remained a popular theme in art. His father served a term as sheriff of the City, but later he suffered heavy losses when his properties were destroyed by fire. According to a contemporary writer, Thomas Becket was the son of Gilbert Becket, sheriff of London; another relates that both parents were of Norman blood. Becket maintained that they could be only judged by, In 1164, with the rift between the two coming to the point where Henry was about to imprison or force Becket to resign, Becket, #8 King Henry allowed Becket to return as he feared an interdict for England, In 1170, Henry’s eldest son was crowned as co-king by, #9 Thomas Becket was murdered by knights of King Henry II, After his return, Becket continued to carry excommunications against royal servants and refused to lift the excommunication of Roger of York. His appointment came as little surprise as the two were known to be close friends, sharing pastimes including hunting, riding and playing jokes. He also took his studies in a grammar school. Portrait of Thomas Becket He went to work in the household of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, where he was very successful and became an Archdeacon. Throughout his life Thomas gave with prodigality and acted with panache. Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury who had a troubled relationship with King Henry II of England which ultimately led to him being murdered by knights of the emperor. The son of a wealthy commoner, he rose to become Chancellor, a post given to him by Henry, such was his … Thomas Becket was born in Cheapside, London in 1118 or 1120. Becket maintained that they could be only judged by ecclesiastical hierarchy (Church courts). Regius Professor of Modern History, University of Cambridge, 1954–63. 1 decade ago. Deeply influenced in childhood by a devout mother who died when he was 21, Thomas entered adult life as a city clerk and accountant in the service of the sheriffs. It was a custom for noble children to be fostered in other noble houses and Henry chose Becket’s household for his son Henry to live in. Also it is said that Becket’s Well in Otford was created as Becket was displeased with the taste of water in the town. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). St. Thomas Becket, also called Thomas à Becket or Thomas of London, (born c. 1118, Cheapside, London, England—died December 29, 1170, Canterbury, Kent; canonized 1173; feast day December 29), chancellor of England (1155–62) and archbishop of Canterbury (1162–70) during the reign of King Henry II. Most serious to modern minds is his failure to visit the disapproving and dying Theobald when summoned. Thomas Becket was born on 21 December 1118 to Gilbert and Matilda Becket. Thomas Becket was the son of a rich London merchant. After becoming archbishop, Becket stood up for the church in its disagreements with the king and this led to a long quarrel between the two. Thomas was born to Norman parents of the merchant class. Thomas was the son of a prosperous merchant Gilbert Becket and his wife Matilda. His shrine in Canterbury Cathedral became, After Becket was canonized several legends became associated with him. “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?” In 1155 Becket was made Chancellor to Henry II. St. Thomas Becket. Becket surprised and angered the King by resigning the chancery and showing that he intended to support the large claims to independence and special privilege which had been developed by the clergy in the preceding 50 years. 0 0. Meanwhile, the great movement known as the Gregorian Reform had spread from Italy to France and the Holy Roman Empire and had begun to influence English churchmen. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. His memory was extraordinarily tenacious and, though neither a scholar nor a stylist, he excelled in argument and repartee. Thomas à Becket (1118 – 1170) was a Londoner, born into a comfortably-off Norman family; he was educated in Paris and Bologna, where he acquired notoriety as a bit of a scoundrel and ladykiller. Four daughters of the marriage also survived into adulthood. Sadly, his mother died while he was still in Paris while his father struggled f… After Becket was canonized several legends became associated with him. Pandora. Updates? Thomas, older than Henry by 15 years and celibate, may well have felt, at least initially, a quasi-paternal or elder-brother affection, mingled with admiration for Henry’s talents and charm. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. It was the culmination of years of opposition to his former friend and master King Henry II. Here Thomas showed to the full his brilliant abilities, razing castles, repairing the Tower of London, conducting embassies, and raising and leading troops in war. However, when Henry promoted him to Archbishop of Canterbury he became more inclined to prioritise the church over the king. Thomas was aware of the king’s intention and tried to dissuade him by warnings of what would happen. Under Henry I and Stephen, the archbishops had stood out for these reforms, sometimes with partial success. He attended Merton Priory School at the age of 10. A lot may ask why Thomas is… Lv 5. He was educated first at the Augustinian Merton Priory, then in a London school, and finally at Paris. St. Thomas Becket - St. Thomas Becket - As archbishop: For almost a year after the death of Theobald, the see of Canterbury was vacant. Thomas Becket was the son of a merchant who rose to power during the reign of Henry II. Thomas Becket, a London merchant’s son, was a complex person – in his youth he was a normal ebullient young man, stormy and proud, selfish and arrogant, vain, and anxious to please, but in later life, became one of the most pious and devout Archbishops of the 12th century. More has been written about Thomas Becket, the archbishop hacked to death in Canterbury Cathedral exactly 850 years ago, than any other non-royal English person of … The relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Beckett which started with being the best of friends but deteriorated when Thomas Becket was made Archbishop of Canterbury. There is a romantic legend that the mother of Thomas Becket was a Saracen princess who followed his father, a pilgrim or crusader, back from the Holy Land, and wandered about Europe repeating the only English words she knew, "London" and "Becket… He was educated first at the Augustinian Merton Priory, then in a London school, and finally at Paris. He was born on December 21, which was the feast day of St Thomas, the Apostle. Once consecrated, Thomas changed both his outlook and his way of life. His contemporaries described Thomas as a tall and spare figure with dark hair and a pale face that flushed in excitement. With the death of Theobald in 1161, Henry hoped to appoint Thomas as archbishop and thus complete his program. He was archbishop of Canterbury and chancellor to King Henry II. During Thomas’ youth, he took part in numerous jousts and tournaments. The major point of disagreement was about clerks (churchmen) who were accused of committing a serious crime. In 1164, with the rift between the two coming to the point where Henry was about to imprison or force Becket to resign, Becket fled into exile in France where King Louis VII offered him protection. He engaged in conflict with Henry II, King of England, over the rights and privileges of the Church and was murdered by followers of the kin… Thomas Becket (1118 – 29 December 1170), later also known as Thomas à Becket, was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The Archbishop of Canterbury was Catholic, as Anglicanism did not yet exist. In Medieval England the Church was all powerful. Author of. Major works based on his story include Alfred Tennyson’s play Becket, T. S. Eliot’s play Murder in the Cathedral and Jean Anouilh’s play Becket or the Honour of God, on which the 1964 Academy Award winning movie Becket was based. He had begun to press his claims, and his chancellor had aided him. Also, much to the irritation of Henry, he resigned the chancellorship but clung to the archdeaconry until Henry forced him to resign. One of his father’s wealthy friends, Richer de L’Aigle, taught him good manners, horseback riding and hunting. Henry II ordered Becket to appear before his courts. Four knights of the court took his words literally and went to Canterbury to confront the archbishop. Becket didn’t want this and he even warned Henry that their friendship would be ruined. His shrine in Canterbury Cathedral became one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in England. This, and his customary splendour of clothing and furnishings, suited ill with his status as archdeacon. People used to think his name was Thomas á Becket, but it is now known to be wrong. Initially a close friend of King Henry II, the two men became engaged in a bitter dispute […] His career was marked by a long quarrel with Henry that ended with Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral. An important article by Professor Nicholas Vincent – ‘The Murderers of Thomas Becket’, in the German book Bischofsmord im Mittelalter (Murder of Bishops) – proved that King Henry II took charge of the murderers’ estates, denied inheritance to their male heirs, and allowed only a portion to descend to female heirs. Henry was determined to restore all royal powers as they had been in the time of his grandfather King Henry I; inevitably he and Becket were soon in bitter conflict. Becket didn’t want this and he even warned Henry that their friendship would be ruined. << Henry II - Thomas a Becket - The Reign of Henry II >> Thomas Becket arguing with Henry II and King Louis In the chaos of Stephen's reign there had been little hope of obtaining Justice from any except ecclesiastical courts, which, as a natural consequence, en­croached upon the jurisdiction of the lay courts. Thomas Becket was an English priest, and Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. There is a romantic legend that the mother of Thomas Becket was a Saracen princess who followed his father, a pilgrim or crusader, back from the Holy Land, and wandered about Europe repeating the only English words she knew, "London" and "Becket," until she found him. The day was 29 December, 1170. Becket was a loyal friend and chancellor to Henry II. Thomas Becket © Becket was a 12th century chancellor and archbishop of Canterbury whose murder resulted in his canonisation. In January 1155, Thomas Becket was made Chancellor, the most important position in England after the king. Before he had lived ostentatiously but now he became an ascetic. The assassination of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170 changed the course of history. Henry sensed this as an opportunity to assert royal supremacy over the English Church by appointing Becket as the next archbishop. Fearing an interdict for England, Henry allowed Becket to return to Canterbury where he was welcomed enthusiastically by the crowd. It culminated in the murder of […] Source(s): https://shrink.im/a9APu. Becket was born in Cheapside, London. Among other things they hunted and socialized together. In 1164, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury was involved in a dispute over land. People used to think his name was Thomas á Becket, but it is now known to be wrong. Thomas Becket is considered a Saint to many but he is also considered a sinner. Thomas Becket , also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London and later Thomas à Becket (21 December 1119 or 1120 – 29 December 1170), was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. His father was a merchant who traveled among the circles of French-speaking Norman immigrants. Thomas Becket Facts. Thomas Becket is known for being the Archbishop of Canterbury and very known for his conflict story between Henry and Thomas, a story that has been told through old times until modern times. Henry persisted and Thomas was elected. wow they are some strong comments you two ppl but all i know about the guy is that he murdered someone, #1 He was born on the feast day of Saint Thomas the Apostle, #2 Becket served as Chancellor to King Henry II, In 1154, Theobald appointed Thomas Becket as, #3 He became a close friend of King Henry II when he was his chancellor, #4 Thomas Becket became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, Theobald of Bec died in 1161 leaving vacant the post of Archbishop of Canterbury, the most important position in the church in Medieval England. Thomas Becket was born in December 21st, 1118to Gilbert Becket and Matilda. St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) – English Churchman and martyr. Becket was one of the most powerful figures of his time, serving as royal Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. Thomas Becket was a trusted and close friend of King Henry II. However Henry persisted and Becket was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. His life came to a violent end when he was murdered at the altar of Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170. On 21 February 1173, Pope Alexander III officially declared him a saint. Such was the trust Becket had gained that when Henry went to sort out problems in France he left Becket in charge of England. President Donald Trump has declared Dec. 29 the anniversary of the Roman Catholic martyr St. Thomas Becket. Henry got his way when the Constitutions of Clarendon were passed in 1164. However Henry persisted and, #5 He was famously transformed after becoming archbishop, #6 He stood up for the church leading to disagreements with King Henry, After becoming archbishop, Becket stood up for the church in its disagreements with the king and this led to a long quarrel between the two. In 1164, with the rift between the two coming to the point … During this period Henry issued official orders against Becket and his supporters while Becket excommunicated a number of Henry’s advisers and clerical servants.