Assassination of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral

December 29th, 1170

December 29th, 1170

Assassination of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral
How Long Ago?

854 years, 2 months, 15 days ago

Location

Canterbury, England

Category

Religion & Philosophy

People
  • Thomas Becket
  • King Henry II
  • Richard of Breteuil
  • Hugh de Morville
  • Reginald FitzUrse
  • William de Tracy
Links & References
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Assassination of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral

Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered inside Canterbury Cathedral by knights loyal to King Henry II of England. This act arose from a long-standing conflict between Becket and the king regarding the rights and privileges of the Church, culminating in an outburst from Henry II that led to the knights taking action. The assassination shocked the medieval world and led to Becket being venerated as a martyr.

Thomas Becket was a former friend of Henry II.

Conflict arose over church versus royal authority.

Becket was killed while praying in the cathedral.

His martyrdom led to increased pilgrimage to Canterbury.

What Happened?

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.

Why Does it Matter?

The assassination of Thomas Becket significantly influenced the power dynamics between the monarchy and the Church, becoming a pivotal point in English history. It underscored the limitations of royal authority over spiritual matters and demonstrated the potential for martyrdom to inspire devotion and resistance among the populace. The event not only transformed Becket into a symbol of ecclesiastical resistance but also triggered changes in policies regarding clerical power in England and beyond.

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