At the time of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas a Becket's murder in 1170, the reigning monarch of England was King Henry II. Becket's assassination took place in Canterbury Cathedral, and it shocked the nation and the Christian world.
King Henry II and Thomas a Becket had been close friends, with Becket serving as the King's Chancellor before being appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. However, their relationship soured over disputes regarding the power and authority of the Church in relation to the monarchy.
Becket's murder was carried out by four knights who believed they were carrying out the King's wishes. The knights reportedly shouted "Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?" in reference to Becket before committing the heinous act. Following Becket's death, he was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, and his shrine in Canterbury Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage site.
The murder of Thomas a Becket had far-reaching consequences, leading to a period of penance for King Henry II and increased power for the Church in England. The event also inspired numerous works of art and literature, including plays by William Shakespeare and T.S. Eliot.
To learn more about the life and death of Thomas a Becket, as well as the reign of King Henry II, visit the following links:
Overall, the murder of Archbishop Thomas a Becket by King Henry II's knights remains a significant event in English history, highlighting the complex relationship between church and state during the Middle Ages.
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