Thomas à Becket definitions
| Word backwards | samohT à tekceB |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Proper noun |
| Syllabic division | Thom-as a-Beck-et |
| Plural | The plural of the word Thomas à Becket is Thomas à Beckets. |
| Total letters | 13 |
| Vogais (3) | o,a,e |
| Consonants (8) | t,h,m,s,b,c,k |
Thomas à Becket
Introduction
Thomas à Becket, also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He was a close friend of King Henry II of England but their relationship soured over the issue of the rights and privileges of the Church. Becket's strong defense of the Church's independence ultimately led to his downfall. His life and martyrdom have made him a significant figure in English history and in the Catholic Church.
Early Life and Career
Thomas à Becket was born in London around 1118 to a wealthy merchant family. He received an excellent education and studied law in Paris before entering the service of Theobald, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket quickly rose through the ranks of the Church and became Chancellor of England in 1155, a position of great power and influence.
Archbishop of Canterbury
In 1162, Becket was unexpectedly chosen to be the Archbishop of Canterbury by King Henry II. The King believed that Becket would continue to support his policies, but once in office, Becket became a staunch defender of the Church's rights. This put him at odds with the King, who sought to exert control over the Church and its clergy.
Conflict with the King
The conflict between Becket and Henry II came to a head with the Constitutions of Clarendon in 1164, which sought to limit the Church's jurisdiction and autonomy. Becket refused to endorse the document, leading to his exile in France. After several years in exile, Becket returned to England in 1170, where he was promptly martyred in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights loyal to the King.
Legacy
Thomas à Becket was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1173, just three years after his death. His martyrdom made him a powerful symbol of resistance to secular authority and a defender of the Church's rights. The shrine of Thomas à Becket at Canterbury Cathedral became one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Europe during the Middle Ages. His story continues to capture the imagination of historians, scholars, and artists to this day.
Thomas à Becket Examples
- Thomas à Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century.
- The murder of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury Cathedral shocked the medieval world.
- Many pilgrims visited the shrine of Thomas à Becket after his death.
- The martyrdom of Thomas à Becket led to his canonization by the Catholic Church.
- The life of Thomas à Becket was dramatized in the play "Murder in the Cathedral" by T.S. Eliot.
- Thomas à Becket's feud with King Henry II of England was a turning point in English history.
- The legacy of Thomas à Becket is still felt in Canterbury, where he is commemorated annually.
- The relics of Thomas à Becket were removed from Canterbury Cathedral during the Protestant Reformation.
- Artistic representations of Thomas à Becket often depict him wearing the symbols of his office.
- Scholars continue to debate the motivations behind the murder of Thomas à Becket.