5 Questions
Who held the position of Royal Chancellor during Henry II's reign?
Thomas Beckett
Who was the Archbishop of Canterbury before Beckett?
Theobald
What was Henry II's plan for his eldest son, Henry the Younger?
To have him crowned as King of England
Why did Beckett's resignation as Royal Chancellor offend Henry?
It threw into doubt Henry's plan to have an Archbishop be his pawn
What positions did Beckett hold after his consecration as Archbishop?
Archdeacon and Royal Chancellor
Study Notes
Thomas Beckett's Early Life
- Born in Cheapside, London in 1119 or 1120
- Father was a successful textile merchant, owned a large house in Cheapside and several other London properties
- Father served a term as Sheriff of the city
- Beckett's family wealth enabled him to receive education at the Augustinian Priory at Merton in Surrey and later at a London Grammar school
Education and Career
- Spent a year studying in Paris at the age of 20
- Worked as a clerk in the banking House of Osbert Hout Denise from 1143 to 1145
- Secured a position in the household of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury
- Sent to study law for a year in Bologna and Oxe in 1146
- Employed on missions to the papal curia in Rome in 1154
- Held various church offices, including Archdeaconry of Canterbury, Bramfield in Hertfordshire, and others
Rise to Prominence
- Accumulated wealth and benefices, becoming rich by the age of 34
- Involved in negotiations led by Theobald to secure the succession of Henry Plantagenet to the English Throne in 1154
- Became Royal Chancellor to Henry II and later Archbishop of Canterbury
Test your knowledge on the life and legacy of Thomas Beckett, the renowned English Churchman. From his rise to prominence as the Royal Chancellor to Henry II to his tragic murder in Canterbury Cathedral, discover the fascinating journey of this influential figure in English history.
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