Thomas Becket

Becket was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by King Henry II, expecting his support. Instead, Becket defended church rights, leading to a bitter conflict with the king.

Becket fled to France after the Constitutions of Clarendon, which he opposed. He remained in exile for six years, appealing to the Pope and King Louis VII for support against Henry II.

Four knights, acting on Henry II's words, assassinated Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. His murder shocked Christendom, leading to his canonization and making Canterbury a major pilgrimage site.