Thomas Becket

Thomas Becket was born on 21 December 1119 or 1120 in Cheapside, London, to Gilbert and Matilda Beket. Educated in London and Paris, he entered church service under Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, who recognized his gifts and sent him to study canon law. In 1155 Becket became Lord Chancellor to King Henry II, serving with notable skill and enjoying the king’s trust. In 1162 he was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury. To many, his life seemed to change overnight: he resigned the chancellorship, embraced a more austere spirit, and began to defend the Church’s freedom with unwavering resolve. This brought him into bitter conflict with Henry II, especially over the king’s attempts to limit ecclesiastical rights through the Constitutions of Clarendon. Condemned at Northampton, Becket fled into exile in France, enduring years of hardship while continuing to uphold the Church’s authority. Returning to England in 1170, he renewed censures against bishops who had violated Canterbury’s privileges. Soon after, he was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by men acting in the king’s name. Honored as a martyr, he is patron of places including Portsmouth. His feast day is December 29.