What is Thomas Becket famous for?

What is Thomas Becket famous for?

Thomas Becket (/ˈbɛkɪt/), also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London and later Thomas à Becket (21 December 11 – 29 December 1170), was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

Why did Henry II and Becket fall out?

Henry II and Thomas Becket: A Falling-out Instead of looking out for royal interests, as Henry II believed his friend would do, Becket became determined to defend ecclesiastical interests, especially when those ran contrary to royal interests. ... But once he became Archbishop of Canterbury, he began to denounce Henry II.

What did Becket and Henry argue about?

His high-handedness caused many complaints to the king, and added to the dispute. Another disagreement involved Henry's attempts to collect sheriff's aid in 1163. Becket argued that the aid was a free will offering to the sheriffs, and could not be compelled.

Why is Thomas Becket a saint?

Thomas Becket was an English archbishop and martyr, famously murdered by knights of Henry II at Canterbury Cathedral. After his death, his tomb and relics became a focus for pilgrimage and he was made a saint.

What was Thomas Becket relationship with Henry II?

Becket was one of the most powerful figures of his time, serving as royal Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. 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.

Why did Henry spend so much money on Dover Castle?

Henry II spent vast sums on Dover Castle as an international public relations exercise to counter the growing "anti-monarchial cult" of Thomas Becket's shrine in nearby Canterbury, according to a new analysis. ... Prof Gillingham said Henry was worried about Becket's cult, following his murder in 1170.

Was Thomas Becket a troublemaker?

Becket was proud and arrogant, standing his ground despite regal impositions. He was also disobedient, refusing to obey even the king. While he was interested in promoting the welfare of the Church, he had his own motives as well.

What type of man was Thomas Becket?

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.

Was Thomas Becket a bad person?

Rather than a villain, Mr Robinson described Becket as a "man who paid a high price for his principles". He was "always willing to serve a cause", said Mr Robinson. He had energetically served the royal cause - and when, unwillingly, he became archbishop, he then served the church with equal enthusiasm.

Was Thomas Becket friends with the King?

Thomas Becket and Henry II were more than a King and his servant, Thomas Becket was the King's friend and confidante.