Thomas A Beckett Biography
St Thomas a Becket (1118-70) – English Churchman and martyr.
Thomas a Becket was born to a wealthy London family around 1118. His talents were noticed by the then Archbishop of Cantebury, Theobold(At that time, the Archbishop of Cantebury was one of the most powerful men in England, after the King.) After successfully taking part in missions to Rome, he was noticed by King Henry II who appointed Thomas A Becket to be his Chancellor. Becket quickly became a favourite of Henry II. Thomas was loyal, dedicated and very talented in managing the nations finances. As chancellor he always put the King’s interests first.
In 1162, Henry II had Becket appointed Archbishop of Canterbury – fully expecting him to continue in his loyalty to the King. However, much to the annoyance of Henry II, Becket became very devoted to his religious position and frequently ruled on decisions which angered the King and asserted the importance of the Church. It is said on becoming Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas a Becket became more religious and saw his role as head of the church as more important than as servant of the King. Eventually, the quarrelling of Becket and Henry II forced Thomas into exile. However, Henry II was unhappy to lose his skilled administrator and he sought to bring about a reconciliation. In 1170, Thomas A Becket returned to England. However, Thomas returned only to further exacerbate Henry II by asserting the rights of the Church and the papacy.
According to tradition Henry II flew into a rage and uttered ‘Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest!” On hearing this supporters loyal to the King murdered Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.
The King later showed remorse on the death of Henry II and even undertook public penance at his shrine. Miracles were soon reported at Becket’s tomb and he was canonized by the pope very quickly in 1173. It is now one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Europe. His feast day is 29 December
T.Pettinger 01.01.2010