Becket

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House Colour: Green

Feast day: 29th December

Thomas Becket was the son of a wealthy Norman merchant. After studying law, he became a clergyman and worked for Henry II in the office of Chancellor. He was rewarded for his services with important posts in the church, but he showed little love for the religious life.

Indeed, Becket always sided with the King in disputes with the clergy. However, when Henry made Becket an Archbishop, Becket changed dramatically. He devoted himself to his religious duties. After quarrelling with Henry, Becket was forced to flee to France. Becket returned after 5 years but, on Christmas day in 1170, he defied the King by excommunicating several bishops and barons. Henry uttered the memorable phrase “who will rid me of this troublesome priest”. Four knights did just that, murdering Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral on December 29th 1170.