What year was Thomas Becket murdered? The tragic assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is a pivotal event in English history that occurred in the year 1170. This article delves into the details surrounding his murder, the aftermath, and the enduring legacy of this event.>
Thomas Becket, an English statesman and priest, was born in 1118 and became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. His tenure as the spiritual leader of the English Church was marked by a series of conflicts with King Henry II, who had initially appointed him to the position. The relationship between the two men deteriorated rapidly, primarily due to Becket’s firm stance on the separation of church and state.
The murder of Thomas Becket took place on December 29, 1170, in the Cathedral of Canterbury. The event was orchestrated by four knights, who were acting on the orders of King Henry II. According to legend, the king had uttered the words “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” in frustration over Becket’s resistance to his demands. The knights, Robert de Torigni, William de Tracy, Reginald de Cornhill, and Hugh de Puiset, traveled to Canterbury and, in the presence of Becket, murdered him with knives and swords. The cathedral became a site of pilgrimage after his death, as many believed he was a martyr for the church.
The aftermath of Becket’s murder was tumultuous. King Henry II was initially blamed for the assassination, leading to widespread protests and even a schism in the English Church. However, he was later exonerated by the papacy, which granted him absolution. The knights who carried out the murder were also pardoned, but they faced public scorn and were forced to flee the country. In response to the public outcry, Henry II attempted to rebuild his relationship with the church, which included the construction of the magnificent Becket Shrine in Canterbury Cathedral.
Thomas Becket’s legacy is one of resilience and sacrifice. His death sparked a wave of religious fervor and contributed to the strengthening of the Anglican Church’s independence from the state. The story of his life and death has been immortalized in literature, art, and music, with Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” and T.S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” being notable examples. His martyrdom has also inspired numerous films and television shows, ensuring that the memory of Thomas Becket remains a significant part of English history.
In conclusion, Thomas Becket was murdered in the year 1170, an event that reshaped the course of English history. His death served as a catalyst for the separation of church and state, and his legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered today. The question of what year Thomas Becket was murdered will forever be etched in the annals of history, a testament to the profound impact of this tragic event.
