Saint Thomas Becket

Saint Thomas Becket was an English priest and Archbishop of Canterbury. He lived in the 1100s. He was once a close friend of King Henry II. Later, they became enemies because Thomas defended the Church against the king’s control.

At first, Thomas was a powerful leader in the king’s court. He served as Chancellor of England and helped the king in many ways. But when he became Archbishop, he changed. He put the Church first and refused to let the king rule over it. This made the king angry.

The conflict between Thomas and the king lasted for years. Thomas had to leave England and live in exile in France. When he finally returned, he still refused to obey the king’s wishes. This led to his death. The king’s knights killed him in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.

People soon saw Thomas as a saint. Many believed he died for his faith. The Church made him a saint, and his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. People still remember him today as a man who stood up for what he believed.

Thomas Becket was born in London in 1119 or 1120. His parents were Normans who had settled in England. His father, Gilbert, was a wealthy merchant. His mother, Matilda, took care of the home. They were not nobles, but they lived well.

Thomas received a good education. He studied in London and later in Paris. He was smart and learned quickly. He was especially good at speaking and debating. His parents hoped he would have a good career in the Church or the king’s court.

After finishing his studies, Thomas worked for a nobleman. Later, he joined the service of Theobald, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Theobald saw his talent and sent him to study more. Thomas trained in church law and gained important skills.

Because of his hard work, Thomas became Archdeacon of Canterbury. Theobald also introduced him to King Henry II. The king liked Thomas and made him Chancellor of England. Thomas and Henry became close friends. They worked together to strengthen the kingdom.

As Chancellor, Thomas was loyal to the king. He helped him collect taxes and manage land. He even led soldiers in battle. He lived in luxury and enjoyed power. No one expected that one day he would turn against the king.

As Chancellor of England, Thomas Becket had great power. He controlled the king’s money and helped enforce the law. He made sure people paid their taxes. He even led armies for the king. He lived in a grand house, wore fine clothes, and enjoyed feasts. He and King Henry II were close friends. They spent time together, laughed, and planned for the future.

In 1162, the Archbishop of Canterbury died. King Henry wanted Thomas to take the position. He believed Thomas would stay loyal to him. He thought Thomas would help him control the Church. At first, Thomas did not want the job. He warned the king that being Archbishop would change him. But the king insisted, so Thomas accepted.

Everything changed once Thomas became Archbishop. He gave up his wealthy lifestyle. He wore simple clothes and spent more time in prayer. He focused on Church duties instead of serving the king. He started to defend the Church’s rights against the king’s control. This upset Henry, who felt betrayed.

Their friendship quickly turned into a struggle for power. Thomas refused to let the king interfere in Church matters. The king wanted control over church courts and who could be tried in them. Thomas fought against this. The two former friends became enemies, and the conflict grew worse.

Once Thomas Becket became Archbishop, his loyalty shifted to the Church. King Henry II wanted control over church affairs, but Thomas resisted. The biggest issue was who had the right to punish priests accused of crimes. Henry wanted them tried in royal courts, but Thomas insisted they should be judged by church courts. This caused a serious conflict.

In 1164, Henry introduced the Constitutions of Clarendon. These were laws to limit the Church’s power. They said the king had the final say over many church matters. Thomas refused to accept them. He argued that the Church should be independent from the king. His refusal made Henry furious.

The king turned against Thomas, and so did many nobles. They accused him of disobeying the king. Thomas feared for his safety and decided to flee England. He went to France, where he lived in exile for six years. During this time, he continued to fight for the Church’s rights. The Pope supported him, but the conflict with Henry remained.

While in France, Thomas and Henry tried to make peace. They met and agreed to let Thomas return to England. But the conflict was not truly over. Thomas was still determined to defend the Church. Henry was still angry and saw Thomas as a threat. Trouble was waiting for Thomas when he returned home.

In 1170, after six years in exile, Thomas Becket returned to England. He and King Henry II had met in France and agreed to make peace. But their friendship was broken. They did not fully trust each other. Thomas was still determined to protect the Church. Henry was still determined to keep his power.

Soon after returning, Thomas made decisions that angered the king. He punished bishops who had supported Henry against him. This was a challenge to the king’s authority. Henry became furious. He saw Thomas as a threat once again. Their conflict had not ended—it had only paused.

One day, in a moment of rage, Henry is said to have shouted, “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?” Some of his knights took this as an order. Four of them traveled to Canterbury, where Thomas was. On December 29, 1170, they entered Canterbury Cathedral and confronted him. They demanded that he submit to the king. Thomas refused.

The knights attacked Thomas right in the church. They struck him with swords, killing him at the altar. The people were shocked. Thomas had died defending the Church. His death quickly became known as an act of faith. Many believed he was a martyr, and his tomb became a place of prayer and miracles.

After Thomas Becket was killed, people immediately saw him as a saint. Many believed he had died defending the Church. Soon, stories spread of miracles happening at his tomb. Sick people who prayed there were healed. Crowds came from all over to visit his grave.

In 1173, only three years after his death, the Pope made Thomas a saint. His feast day is December 29, the day of his martyrdom. He became the patron saint of clergy, priests, and anyone who stands up for what is right. His shrine in Canterbury became one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Thomas Becket’s death changed history. His struggle with King Henry II showed the world that the Church could not be controlled by kings. After his death, Henry had to give up some of his power over the Church. Future kings and rulers had to think carefully before challenging Church authority.

For centuries, people honored Thomas as a symbol of courage and faith. Pilgrims continued to visit his tomb until King Henry VIII destroyed it in the 1500s. Even today, people remember his story. He is still seen as a man who stood firm in his beliefs, no matter the cost.

He started out as a fancy guy. He loved good food, nice clothes, and a good time. Think silk robes, not hair shirts.

He became best buddies with King Henry II. They joked, hunted, and probably shared snacks. The king said, “You should be Archbishop!” and Thomas said, “Sure, why not?”

But once he became Archbishop of Canterbury, everything changed. Out went the silk, in came the prayers and fasting. Big holy switch.

He started standing up to King Henry. The king wanted control over the Church. Thomas said, “Sorry, can’t let you do that.”

The king probably yelled, “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?” Four knights heard him—and thought it was a command.

They rode to the cathedral and found Thomas praying. He refused to run. He was ready. They struck him down right there in the church.

He became a martyr in 1170, right next to the altar. That church floor became a holy place instantly.

People were shocked. Then people were inspired. Then people started visiting his tomb like it was the hottest place in town.

Miracles started happening there. So many that they had to write them down in a special book. Pilgrimage destination unlocked.

He’s the patron saint of clergy and people who stand up to power. Also of headaches. Possibly because he gave King Henry one.

In art, he’s shown in bishop’s robes, usually with a sword over his head. Not a fun accessory, but very accurate.

His shrine became one of the top spots in England. Even people who didn’t like walking made the trip.

Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is all about people going to see Thomas’s shrine. He inspired poems and pilgrim jokes.

His feast day is December 29. Just after Christmas, in case you need a break from cookies and want courage instead.

His friendship with the king turned into one of the most famous fallouts in history. From pals to palace drama.

He taught that the Church belongs to God, not the government. Even if your old buddy is the king.

Thomas showed that being holy sometimes means saying “no” when it’s really hard.