Thomas Becket

@Spiritual, Family and Childhood

Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his assassination in 1170

Dec 21, 1118

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Biography

Personal Details

  • Birthday: December 21, 1118
  • Died on: December 29, 1170
  • Nationality: British
  • Famous: Religious Leaders, Saint, Spiritual, Leaders, Spiritual & Religious Leaders
  • Known as: Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London, Thomas Ã��Ã� Becket
  • Universities:
    • University of Paris
    • Merton Priory
  • Cause of death: Assassination

Thomas Becket born at

Cheapside

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Birth Place

Thomas Becket honored his Church duties by remaining celibate throughout his life.

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Personal Life

He was assassinated on December 29, 1170 by four knights, Reginald fitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, and Richard le Breton. four knights, Reginald fitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, and Richard le Breton

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Personal Life

Thomas Becket was canonised on February 21, 1173 by Pope Alexander III at the St. Peter’s Church in Segni.

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Personal Life

Thomas Becket was born in London, England on St. Thomas Day, i.e. December 21, 1118. His father was Gilbert Becket and his mother was Matilda. He also had a sister named Mary.

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Childhood & Early Life

At the age of 10, he became a student of Merton Priory and then of a grammar school. For further education he went to the University of Paris.

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Childhood & Early Life

His mother passed away while he was in Paris and his father suffered a financial crisis. These developments meant Thomas Becket had to fend for himself and eventually he became a clerk in the sheriff’s court.

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Childhood & Early Life

Later, he did secretarial work for Sir Richer de l’Aigle and Osbert Huitdeniers, the Justiciar of London. In all the offices he had held so far, he showed great ability and spirit.

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Childhood & Early Life

In 1141 Thomas Becket met Theobald, then Archbishop of Canterbury and started working for him. Theobald was impressed by the young man's intelligence and diplomatic skills and he sent Thomas to study canon law in Paris for a year.

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Later Life

After returning he became the provost of Beverley, and canon at Lincoln and St. Paul's Cathedrals. He was made the deacon in 1154 and eventually the archdeacon of Canterbury.

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Later Life

With the death of King Stephan of England there were several claimants to the throne lay open to claim and several clamwere made. With his diplomacy Thomas got Henry of Anjou crowned as the King Henry II in 1154 and in return was rewarded with Chancellorship under the new king.

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Later Life

The newly crowned King Henry II coveted more power and believed controlling the Church would do that. He was presented with the perfect opportunity when Archbishop Theobald passed away in 1161 and he wanted Thomas Becket to hold the ecclesial office.

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Later Life

Becket had a totally different viewpoint to the king’s proposal as being a chancellor blessed him with considerable power and influence already. He believed that if ordained, the king would ask him to perform tasks that might not uphold the sanctity of the archbishop’s office and he refused.

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Later Life