Gone Medieval Henry II & Thomas Becket: A Doomed Friendship
Jul 12, 2024
In this podcast, delve into the intricate friendship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, from trusted allies to bitter rivals. Explore Becket's rise from a working-class background to Archbishop of Canterbury and his doomed relationship with the king. Unravel the power struggles, tensions, exile, and eventually, Becket's murder, leading to a world-famous legacy.
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Becket's Rapid Rise Through Competence
- Thomas Becket rose quickly into Henry II's inner circle by serving in Archbishop Theobald's household and then as royal chancellor.
- His competence and ability to marshal resources made him indispensable to Henry's early rule.
Chancellor: The King's Operational Power
- The chancellor ran the royal writing office and issued all documents in the king's name, making the role central to governance.
- As chancellor Becket was effectively Henry's right-hand man with vast administrative reach.
The Cloak Argument Story
- Chroniclers record a petty argument where Henry and Becket argue over who should give a cloak to a beggar as a charitable act.
- Later writers used such stories to shape Becket's saintly image and portray their dynamic.