AS SEEN ON TV: THOMAS à BECKET

On this date in 1170, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is assassinated inside Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II; he subsequently becomes a saint and martyr in the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

THOMAS à BECKET

AS SEEN IN:
"Who Killed Thomas Becket?"

AS PLAYED BY:
Guy Henry

From Wikipedia:
Thomas Becket (also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London, and later Thomas à Becket; circa 1118 – 29 December 1170) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He engaged in conflict with Henry II of England over the rights and privileges of the Church and was assassinated by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral. Soon after the death of Thomas Becket, Pope Alexander III canonized him.

You can read the Wikipedia account of Becket's assassination by clicking here.

And to see a dramatization of Becket's death, film-maker Andrew Chater's website has about six salient film clips from the documentary.

One of my favorite "historical" quotes comes from this event:

"Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?" - Henry II

BCnU!