Today, I will take you on a journey back to the Middle Ages, where power, religion, and politics were intricately entwined. It is an era that is teeming with captivating events. One of the most fascinating and chilling stories from that time is the murder of Thomas Becket (1119-1170), the Archbishop of Canterbury. He got murdered in his very own Canterbury Cathedral. Historians have long debated whether his murder was on the orders of Henry II or if it was a terrible mistake.
Powerstruggle
It was the year 1170 in the magnificent Cathedral of Canterbury, England. Thomas Becket, once a friend and ally of King Henry II, had recently converted to Christianity and been appointed as the Archbishop. His unwavering dedication to the Church quickly put him at odds with the king, igniting a bitter feud between them.
The power struggle between Becket and Henry II resembled a precarious tightrope dance, a constant game of influence and challenge. Becket staunchly defended the ecclesiastical liberties and raised his voice against the growing secular influence on the Church. He refused to obey royal laws that sought to curtail the authority of the Church. This placed him in direct conflict with Henry II, who was determined to strengthen his royal power and quash any challenges.
The crucial moment came at a meeting in Normandy, where Henry II is famously said to have uttered words out of frustration, which were interpreted as a royal command by four of his knights. The exact words are not recorded verbatim in historical sources, but they are often quoted along the lines of “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” or variations thereof. This statement, whether made in anger or not, was taken by the knights as implicit royal consent to deal with Becket.
Who was Thomas Becket?
Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 to 1170. Born in London in 1119, he became a close advisor to King Henry II and was appointed Archbishop with the king’s support.
However, Becket soon defended the church’s rights, clashing with Henry over the authority of the monarchy versus the church. This conflict led to increasing tensions.
Becket was killed in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170. He was quickly canonized as a martyr, and his tomb became a major pilgrimage site, symbolizing the struggle between church and state.
The attack
The scene that unfolded within the cold stone walls of the cathedral was chilling. Four knights entered the cathedral and are said to have shouted “Where is Thomas Becket, traitor to the king and the kingdom?” On seeing them, Becket said, “I am no traitor and I am ready to die.” One knight grabbed him and tried to pull him outside, but Becket grabbed onto a pillar and bowed his head to make peace with God.
The attack was swift and merciless. Becket was stabbed three times, blood gushing from his wounds as his body slumped to the stone floor. It was a gruesome sight, a gross violation of the cathedral’s sanctity. Thomas Becket, the noble champion of ecclesiastical independence, was dead.
The murder of Becket sent shockwaves throughout Europe. The news spread like wildfire, and people from all walks of life mourned his tragic fate. Public outrage was unprecedented. Becket was swiftly revered as a martyr, someone who had sacrificed his life for the cause of the Church.
Becket was made a saint by Pope Alexander III in 1173, just three years after his death. There was a belief that Becket’s blood, spilled on the floor of the Cathedral, had the power to heal the sick. Canterbury Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage site for people from across Europe. Within 10 years of Thomas Becket’s death more than 700 healing miracles had been recorded at his tomb.
Did he or did he not order the murder
Historians generally agree that Henry II did not explicitly order Becket’s murder. The consensus is that Henry’s outburst was born out of frustration and was not meant as a direct command. However, the knights interpreted it as such, leading to the tragic consequence. This event underscores the importance of careful speech, especially by those in power, and how words can be interpreted as commands with far-reaching consequences.
Destroyed memorial
The memorial was built in Trinity Chapel but was destroyed during the Reformation in 1538 on orders from King Henry VIII. In 2020, a reconstruction of the shrine has been made. The researchers say they believe the shrine was built between 1180 and 1220, and its construction would have probably taken more than 30 years.
If you visit Canterbury Cathedral today, you’ll see the former site of Thomas Becket’s shrine. A sculpture and altar are marking the spot of Thomas Becket’s martyrdom, Canterbury Cathedral. The sculpture by Giles Blomfield represents the knights’ four swords (two metal swords with reddened tips and their two shadows).
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