The Murder of Thomas Becket

The year 1118, the place, Normandy, a son was born to an English merchant. A child named Thomas Becket. Thomas Becket was raised in a life of semi luxury. His family was "well off". For his father was formally Sheriff of London. This advantage may have not served him as well as he thought. For he was sent to Paris for his education and from there to England where he joined the household of Theobold, the then Archbishop of Canterbury. With the knowledge and charm gained, his skills advanced him forward. The archbishop sent him to Paris to study law and with his return made him Archdeacon of Canterbury. In the year 1154, Becket was introduced to King Henry II. King Henry and Becket were close acquaints when Archbishop Theobold died in the year 1161. King Henry saw the power to be gain over the church and anointed his loyal advisor, Becket to be ordain as Bishop. The same afternoon, June 2, 1162, Thomas Becket became Archbishop of Canterbury. King Henry anointed Becket in aspect of gaining control. Becket began to favor the church and chose the church over the king. Becket kept his alliance to the church. After this dispute, Becket fearing his life, fled to France where he remained in exile for six years. December 29, four knights arrived in Canterbury and immediately searched for the Archbishop. Becket fled to the Cathedral where mass was taking place. After being found at the alter, the knights drew their swords and began hacking at their victim finally splitting his skull. Miracles were reported at the at the tomb of the martyr. Four years after Becket's death, King Henry II, walked barefoot through the streets of Canterbury while eighty monks flogged him with branches. It is also said the king slept in the tomb of Thomas Becket to try and gain some sense of absolution.