Thomas Becket: In Brief

'All saints give testimony to the truth that without real effort, no one ever wins the crown.' 

Said by the man himself, Thomas Becket would, unknowingly, live up to this quote. So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to this Twelfth Century martyr...


Name: Thomas Becket/ Thomas a Becket (The slight name changes variate depending on the author, date and text, but neither are wrong).


Born/Died: Becket is believed to have been born around 1118. He died on December 29th, 1170.


In Brief Biog: Thomas was born in London and led an educated life. He progressed from the Archdeacon of Canterbury, to the King's Chancellor and further to that, the Archbishop of Canterbury whilst remaining a close partner to King Henry II. Henry was a firm believer of the Divine Right of Kings and as a result, expected to rule and reign his country as he wished, without argument. Becket was opinionated and prior to his death, had many disagreements with the King over the ties with Rome and their affect on the Church. Henry wanted to separate his kingdom from Rome's rule, whilst Becket wanted to remain close. This dispute led to Becket exiling himself to France for a number of years. Upon his return further disputes took place, and after the King's expression that Becket should be removed (this is now considered a throw-away comment by historians), four knights of King Henry travelled to Canterbury Cathedral, burst through a set of doors and murdered Thomas Becket, with a sharp swipe to the skull with a sword.


Becket was, as a result, canonised in 1173 and grief was felt so expansively by all that King Henry II paid public penance. From 1170 until the time of The Reformation, Becket was a celebrated saint, and by medieval standards, comparable to a modern day celebrity; a cult was even established from the 'magical' properties in his blood. All over Britain and Europe today, chasses, chapels and ornate stained glass windows remain in memory of his martyrdom.


These pieces of art show how Becket influenced popular piety and throughout this blog I will compare and contrast various images, methods and forms of art to develop this and show how even to pilgrims today, Becket remains important to history.