The assassination of Thomas Becket took place within the hallowed walls of Canterbury Cathedral, a significant event in medieval English history. Becket, who had previously been a close ally of King Henry II, became embroiled in a fierce conflict over the authority of the Church versus the monarchy. After becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket championed ecclesiastical independence, which placed him at odds with Henry II. The conflict escalated in various disputes over the jurisdiction of clerics and issues of punishment for crimes committed by church officials. Frustrated by Becket's resistance, Henry famously expressed a desire to rid himself of the troublesome ecclesiastic, reportedly exclaiming for someone to 'rid him of this turbulent priest.' This utterance was interpreted by four of Henry’s knights as a royal decree, which ultimately led them to Canterbury to carry out the assassination.

On the afternoon of December 29, Becket was confronted by the knights while he was praying in the cathedral. The confrontation quickly turned violent, and Becket was struck down within the sacred space. His brutal murder shocked the populace and prompted outrage across Europe. In the aftermath, Becket was venerated as a martyr and saint, further solidifying the historic struggle between church and state. Pilgrimages to Canterbury soon became popular, inspired by the belief in Becket’s miraculous power.

The subsequent canonization of Becket came just three years later, highlighting the significant spiritual and cultural ramifications of his death. His tomb in Canterbury Cathedral became a site of pilgrimage, influencing religious practices and societal values in the region for centuries. The event ultimately symbolized the ongoing clerical struggle for power, shaping medieval governance and the relationship between spiritual and temporal authorities.