The Murder of Thomas Becket

Thomas Becket was a born into a middle class family in 1118 A.D. and was raised in Cheapside, London. His education was gained in two locations, his primary education taking place in England and his secondary education taking place in France, in Bologina a part of Paris. Upon his return to England he became a servant, friend, and apprentice to Theobald, the archbishop of Canterbury. He began to serve Theobald by serving as his courier to locations in Europe such as Rome and Paris. Eventually Theobald died and Thomas took over as archbishop. He helped raise king Henry's son as it was custom for nobility's children to live in a modest environment in their early life. He came into conflict with King Henry when he sided with the church on an issue over the King's power. He was charged with contempt to royal authority and was convicted but fled the trial and took refuge in France. After two years of working to have England's populace excommunciated and nearly succeding the King invited him back to calm the situation that Thomas had created. He returned to canterbury and eventully refused to sign on the King's proposals for ammendments to lessen the connection with Rome, which was the last straw for Thomas Becket. The king has four knights kill him while in the Canterbury abbey. He had the crown of his skull severed and his brains and blood stained the floor of the abbey. He was declared a martyr and a saint by the pope after his death.