Today in History - 29th December
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Today in History - 29th December29th December 1170 - Thomas Becket killed in Canterbury Cathedral855 years ago today, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most shocking acts of violence in medieval English history. His death followed a bitter and long-running conflict with King Henry II over the authority of the Church and the crown. Becket had once been a close friend and chancellor to Henry, but after becoming archbishop in 1162 he fiercely defended church privileges against royal interference. Tensions escalated when Becket opposed the king’s attempts to subject clergy to royal courts, leading to years of exile and confrontation. According to tradition, Henry’s angry outburst — “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” — was interpreted as a call to action by four knights. They travelled to Canterbury and killed Becket inside the cathedral, shocking Christendom. Becket’s murder caused outrage across Europe, and he was quickly venerated as a martyr. Canonised in 1173, his shrine became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in England, while Henry II was forced to perform public penance, marking a major victory for the medieval Church. Like what you read - Why not share this link and tell your friends to subscribe? |
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