Thomas Becket's Impact On The Catholic Church

As always, to begin learning about a person, one starts with informing the learner about their early days. Thomas a’ Becket was born in London in the year 1118. His parents came from Normandy then setteled in England. He worked as a secretery for Sir Richer de L’Aigle after he stopped attending school. He later also worked for Osbert Huitdeniers He later became one of the most trusted clerks when he entered the service of Theobold, who was the archbishop of Canterbury, and gained the favor over his master. Thomas a’ Becket was a very wise man who had a great impact on the Catholic Church. To paint a picture in your mind, Thomas was a skinny pale man, he had dark hair, and a long nose. His conversations were best described as “winning” and …show more content…
Kind Henry at that time wanted to abolish this rule. So in the year of 1163, a Canon was accused for murder. It was tried by the Church court. The public demanded justice so the Canon was taken to the king. The protest Becket was having was halted. Problems later came out with King Henry when he changed the laws to make the courts’ jurisdiction larger than the clergu. Thomas dissagreed and did not support the king. He stood up to the king which led to a royal summing to Henry’s court at Northampton. There, Thomas was questioned by Becket about monney that went through him when he was Chancellor. After Becket was confronted about this, he fled to France where he stayed for six years. During this time, Thomas had excomunicated the Bishops of London and Salisbury because they supported King Henry. Not long after, in 1170, Henry and Thomas met in Normandy to fix their problems. Thomas later returned to his position in Caterbury. Not too long after, Thomas was firm in his decision to keep the bishops away. Henry became angry. His rage is described in this quote from him: “What sluggards, what cowards have I brought up in my court, who care nothing for their allegiance to their lor. Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest (Eyewitness to History).” Henry’s rage inspired four knights to go to England in search for Thomas. They arrived to Canterbury on the 29th of