One of the most infamous assassinations in history was that of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170, by four knights - Hugh de Merville, William de Tracy, Reginald Fitzhurse, and Richard le Breton. The knights were followers of King Henry II and were upset with Becket for his opposition to the king's attempts to exert control over the Church.

Becket had been a close friend and advisor to King Henry II, but their relationship soured when Becket was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. Becket took his role as head of the Church seriously and clashed with the king over issues of church-state relations and the rights of the Church.

The tension between Becket and King Henry II came to a head when Becket excommunicated several bishops who had supported the king in a dispute over the rights of the Church. This angered the king, who reportedly said, "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?" The four knights took this as a command to kill Becket and carried out the assassination in the cathedral.

The murder of Thomas Becket shocked medieval Europe and led to Becket being venerated as a saint. The event also had political ramifications, with King Henry II being forced to do penance for his role in Becket's death.

To learn more about the assassination of Thomas Becket and its historical significance, visit History.com or Britannica.com. These resources provide in-depth information on the life and death of Thomas Becket, as well as the impact of his assassination on medieval England.

In conclusion, the assassination of Thomas Becket by Hugh de Merville, William de Tracy, Reginald Fitzhurse, and Richard le Breton remains a tragic and pivotal event in history. It serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between church and state and the consequences of political and religious conflicts.

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