Who was Thomas Becket?
Q: Who was Thomas Becket?
A: Thomas Becket was an English priest and Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.
Q: Where was he born?
A: He was born in Cheapside, London.
Q: What did he do before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury?
A: Before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, he joined the household of Theobald of Bec as a clerk at age 16 and studied in Paris.
Q: What led to the conflict between Henry II and Becket?
A: The conflict between Henry II and Becket arose due to their disagreement over the rights of the Church. This caused their friendship to end and for Becket to resign as Lord Chancellor.
Q: What happened at Northampton Castle on 8 October 1164?
A: On 8 October 1164, King Henry summoned Becket to appear before a great council at Northampton Castle where he was officially asked to agree to the King's rights.
Q: Where did Beckett flee after being convicted on charges?
A: After being convicted on charges, Beckett fled Europe where King Louis VII offered him protection by staying in a Cistercian abbey called Pontigny until threats from Henry made him return to Sens.
Q: How did Thomas become a saint?
A: Thomas became a saint in 1173 after his death which occurred when four knights killed him upon hearing reports that he had excommunicated his enemies in the Church and threatened to do the same with Henry II.
