. Source A: From a modern textbook.
Was henry II guilty of murder?
After 6 years, Henry and Becket agreed to try
and work together again. Becket arrived back in
England in 1170 and immediately annoyed Henry
once more.
Becket was furious that whilst he was away other,
less important, bishops had been doing some of
his jobs. He excommunicated (banished) three
bishops, meaning they no longer belonged to the
Church. In the middle ages this meant that they
would go straight to hell.
When Henry heard this he flew into a rage and
said “is there no one that will rid me of this
turbulent priest?” Four knights overheard this
and decided that they should try and please their
king. They thought the king wanted Becket dead.
Source B: An eye witness account – Edward
Grim, a priest that was there during the
Source G: A painting made in 1250 by an
murder.
unknown artist.
The murders arrived in full armour with swords
Three of the four knights attack the
and axes. The monks begged the Archbishop to
archbishop, who is kneeling in prayer before
hide in the Cathedral for his own safety, but he
the altar. One of the knights kicks Thomas to
refused. This was because he wanted to die for
the floor, and sends his miter flying as his
his beliefs.
sword cracks open Thomas's head.
The knights shouted, “Where is Archbishop
Source F: A conversation between Henry II and Becket written
Thomas Becket a traitor to his king his country?”
down by Roger of Pontigny (1176)
Becket answered, “I am here. I am a priest of
God, Not a traitor. I will not run from your
swords.” The knights tried to drag Becket from
the Cathedral, but he clung to a pillar bending his
head as in prayer.
One of the knights, Reginald Fitzurse, struck him
on his head. He received a second blow to the
head but did not move. At the third blow he fell
to his knees and whispered: “In the name of Jesus
I am ready to die”. The next blow sliced off the
top of his head and the stone floor was stained
with blood and brain. The forth knight stopped
anyone from interfering with what they were
doing.
Source C: From one of Henry’s
Source D: An account from
Source E: From a
supporters.
a priest in 1171
modern historian.
Although the knights believed
Henry is guilty for killing of
Becket wanted to die. He
beloved Archbishop.
wanted to be known as a
they were acting on the king’s
orders, he never actually wanted
Becket dead.
He and Thomas had been
He didn’t give any specific orders
was no secret, Becket had to
for the knights to kill him. In
fact he only said he wanted ‘rid
of him’ Henry was innocent.
quarrelling for years. This
leave England for six years
because he so feared the
king’s temper.
martyr (someone that
Henry II: Have I not raised you from the poor and humble to the
summit of honour and rank?... How can it be that after so many
favours... that you are not only ungrateful but oppose me in
everything?
Thomas Becket: I have not forgotten the favours which, not simply
you, but God the given to me. As St Peter says, '"We ought to obey
God rather than men."
dies for their beliefs).
He didn’t run, hide or try
Henry II: I don't want a sermon from you: are you not the son of
one of my peasants?
to bargain for his life.
This lifts some of the
guilt from Henry.
Thomas Becket: It is true that I am not of royal lineage; but then,
neither was St Peter.