Who Was the Archbishop of Canterbury Assassinated in 1170?

The Archbishop of Canterbury who was assassinated in 1170 was Thomas Becket. Becket was a close friend and advisor to King Henry II of England, but their relationship soured when Becket began to assert the independence of the Church from the crown. This led to a bitter conflict between the two men, culminating in Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170.

Thomas Becket's assassination shocked the medieval world and he was soon venerated as a martyr by the Catholic Church. His tomb at Canterbury Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

If you want to learn more about the life and death of Thomas Becket, you can visit the official website of Canterbury Cathedral at www.canterbury-cathedral.org. Here, you can find detailed information about Becket's role as Archbishop of Canterbury and the events leading up to his assassination.

Additionally, you can explore the British Library's online exhibition on Thomas Becket at www.bl.uk/medieval-english-french-literature/articles/thomas-becket-the-archbishop-of-canterbury. This exhibition delves into the historical context of Becket's life and the impact of his death on medieval England.

In conclusion, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was assassinated in 1170 due to his clash with King Henry II over the authority of the Church. His death has left a lasting legacy in English history and continues to fascinate historians and visitors to Canterbury Cathedral.

For more information on this topic, be sure to explore the resources mentioned above and delve deeper into the fascinating story of Thomas Becket.

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