The Murder of Thomas Becket, 1170

More from the old school with James Steed (see note from previous post):

A sword's crushing blow extinguished the life of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury.  His murder had been ordered by his friend, King Henry II.  The brutal event sent a tremor through Medieval Europe, and created a saint.

Becket was born in 1118, the son of an English merchant.  Becket went to Paris to study law.

In 1154 he was introduced to King Henry II.  The two hit it off immediately, forming a strong friendship. Henry saw the opportunity to increase his influence over the Church by naming his friend to the highest ecclesiastical post in the land.  Henry petitioned the Pope who agreed.  Becket was made Archbishop of Canterbury.

King Henry tried to change the laws to extend his power over the clergy.  But he had underestimated his friend: Becket's allegiance shifted to the church.  Becket excommunicated the Bishops of London and Salisbury for their support of the king.  This threw King Henry into a rage in which he shouted, "Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?!"

Twelfth century manuscript depicting the attack on Thomas at the altar of
Canterbury cathedral.

Four knights searched for the Archbishop.  Becket fled to the Cathedral where a service was in progress.  The knights found him at the alter, drew their swords and began hacking their victim, splitting his skull.  A witness said that the sword that broke Becket's skull, itself was broken, as if by a miracle.

The King fell into disgrace.  Several miracles were said to occur at the tomb of the martyr.  The pope declared Becket a saint.  From that day onward hordes of pilgrims transformed Canterbury Cathedral into a shrine.

We should all go their someday and tell some stories along the way.