1. Church and state
EnlargeIn medieval times the Church was very important. One reason for this was obvious - the Church helped people to worship God. Another reason was that the Church owned a lot of land, and that meant money and power. The Church was also very important because many churchmen could read and write, unlike the majority of the population who were illiterate. Almost everyone relied on the Church to make documents like receipts (showing you had paid your taxes), or contracts (for when you sold your land). The top men in the Church were the bishops. They were very important people and usually belonged to powerful families.
2. Bishop and King
The most powerful churchman in England was the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop and the King worked very closely together. If they did not, then it would have been almost impossible to run the country. In 1170, the Archbishop was Thomas Becket. King Henry II made Thomas Archbishop in 1162 because they were old friends. As young men they had both enjoyed wealthy, privileged lifestyles, with lots of hunting and feasting. Thomas had been Henry II's chancellor - one of his most important advisers. Henry wanted Becket, in his role as Archbishop, to support him because he had had some arguments with Pope (the supreme head of the church who lived in Rome).
3. Disagreements between Henry II and Becket
The situation between Henry and Becket did not work out the way the King had hoped. After a few years as Archbishop, Becket seemed to change. He did not support Henry against the Pope. He seemed to become much more religious than he had once been (although some historians believe this was an act). Becket got into many arguments with Henry. They argued about how much power church courts should have. They disagreed on many other issues. Becket seemed to go out of his way to annoy Henry and Henry got so angry that Becket felt he had to escape to France.
4. Murder in the cathedral
In 1170, Becket and Henry met up in England to try and sort out their differences. They seemed to reach an agreement, and Becket took up his position as Archbishop again. However, he started punishing any churchmen who had taken Henry's side in their arguments. He also criticised Henry in public. Henry was furious, and shouted to his knights "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?" Nobody knows whether he meant this as a death threat. What we do know is that four knights rode straight to Canterbury and killed Becket in the Cathedral.
5. The aftermath of the murder
The whole of Europe was shocked by the murder. Henry walked barefoot from London to Canterbury to show he was sorry. Some people thought Becket had brought his death upon himself because he wanted to become a martyr (someone who dies for his or her faith). After his death, Becket was made a saint, and Canterbury Cathedral became a shrine for pilgrims to visit. The fact that so many people thought Becket was a saint affected the way they wrote about him after his death. Historians have found it hard to find accounts of the events of 1170 which are not in favour of Becket. You will see this for yourself!
