Thomas Becket was born in 1118. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Biography and Career
Thomas Becket was born in1118 in Cheapside, London. He is the son of Gilbert Beket and Matilda Gilbert. He had taken the trade of mercer but in London was a property owner.
Richer de L'Aigle was attracted to Thomas's sisters so he often invited Thomas to his estates in Sussex. There, Thomas learned to ride a horse, hunt, behave like a gentleman and engage in popular sports such as jousting. Beginning when he was 10, Becket received education in Merton Priory in England and then in Paris, Bologna and Auxerre.
Upon returning to the Kingdom of England he attracted the notice of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury who entrusted him with several important missions to Rome and finally made
him Archdeacon of Canterbury and Provost of Beverley.
As Chancellor, Becket enforced the king's traditional medieval land tax that was exacted from all landowners, including churches and bishoprics. Becket as a secular man, he became an accomplished and extravagant courtier companion.
He achieved his final position of power as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. Henry intended to further his influence by directing the actions of Thomas and diminish the independence and influence of the Church in England. The famous transformation of Becket into an ascetic occurred at this time.
A rift grew between Henry and Thomas as the new Archbishop dropped his Chancellorship and consolidated the landed revenues of Canterbury. So began a series of legal conflicts which accelerated antipathy between the two great offices.
Attempts by King Henry to foment the opinion and influence of the other bishops against Thomas began in Westminster in October 1163, this led to Clarendon where Thomas was officially asked to sign off on the King's rights or face political repercussions.
Finally Becket expressed his willingness to agree to the substance of the Constitutions of Clarendon. While the three bishops fled to the king in Normandy, Becket continued to excommunicate his opponents in the church. Soon word of this reached Henry.
After these reports of Becket's activities, Henry is said to have raised his head from his sickbed and roared a lament of frustration and Thomas was assasinated.
General Appearance
Birth Name: Thomas Becket
Birth: 1118
Why do we like Thomas Becket?
We like him because he was a archbishop.
Why is Thomas Becket Famous?
He is famous for his working as a archbishop and his opposing of King Henry.
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Thomas Becket was born in 1118. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury.
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