Gone Medieval The Rise of Thomas Becket
Jul 2, 2024
Explore the rise of Thomas Becket from clerk to Archbishop of Canterbury, his conflicted relationship with King Henry II, the shocking murder that led to his martyrdom, and the widespread cult following. Learn about Becket's early life, education, appointment as chancellor, and how his fate intertwined with the monarchy and church in medieval England.
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Unusually Rich Sources Shape Becket's Image
- We possess more material on Thomas Becket than almost any medieval English figure, including letters, biographies, and huge miracle collections.
- That volume creates ambiguity, competing pictures, and prevents any final, simple verdict on who he was.
Letters Were Used As Public Argument
- Collecting letters was a deliberate strategy to shape arguments and public opinion during ecclesiastical disputes.
- Becket's correspondences and critics' letters were preserved to defend his reputation and foster his cult after death.
London Merchant Origins With A Noble Legend
- Thomas Becket came from a well-off London merchant family with Norman roots and lived on Cheapside.
- A posthumous legend even claimed his mother was a noblewoman to give him imaginary noble blood.