Thomas Becket
Middle Ages Stereotypes
Thomas Becket was born in around 1120, the son of a prosperous London merchant.
Becket's talents were noticed by Henry II, who made him his chancellor and the two became close friends.
Becket fled into exile in France, and remained in exile for several years. He returned in 1170.
Becket was made a saint in 1173 and his shrine in Canterbury Cathedral became an important focus for pilgrimage.
Becket was made a saint in 1173 and his shrine in Canterbury Cathedral became an important focus for pilgrimage.
In 1153 Thomas acted as justice itinerant in three counties.
In the military operations Thomas took a leading part, and Garnier, a French chronicler, who lived to write of the virtues of St. Thomas and his martydorm, declares that in these encounters he saw himunhorse many French knights.
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed in December 1170. Becket's death remains one of the most famous stories associated with Medieval England.
Becket's big break came in 1154, when Theobold introduced him to the newly crowned King, Henry II.