Why did Becket excommunicate the three men?
This was a breach of Canterbury’s privilege of coronation, and in November 1170 Becket excommunicated all three. While the three clergymen fled to the king in Normandy, Becket continued to excommunicate his opponents in the church, the news of which also reached Henry II, Henry the Young King’s father.
Who was Thomas a Becket?
Thomas à Becket (1118 – 1170) was a Londoner, born into a comfortably-off Norman family; he was educated in Paris and Bologna, where he acquired notoriety as a bit of a scoundrel and ladykiller. Being a second son, there was little else he could do but enter the church, which he did as a deacon.
What is the story of Becket about?
Initially a close friend of King Henry II, the two men became engaged in a bitter dispute that culminated in Becket’s shocking murder by knights with close ties to the king. It is a story of betrayal, of the perceived abuse of power and those who fall for standing in the way of the Crown.
Why did King Henry send his son Henry to live with Becket?
King Henry sent his son Henry to live in Becket’s household, it being the custom then for noble children to be fostered out to other noble houses. Becket was nominated as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, several months after the death of Theobald.
Who was the Archdeacon of Canterbury in 1154?
In 1154, Theobald named Becket Archdeacon of Canterbury, and other ecclesiastical offices included a number of benefices, prebends at Lincoln Cathedral and St Paul’s Cathedral, and the office of Provost of Beverley.
What happened to Gilbert Beket after Becket began school?
Some time after Becket began his schooling, Gilbert Beket suffered financial reverses, and the younger Becket was forced to earn a living as a clerk.