Thomas Becket's assassination created a legacy for him. As a result of his assassination, he became a mater and a saint. Becket's feast day is on the 29th of December. A day which marks the day he was assassinated. Thomas Becket was killed on the 29th of December 1170. By King Henry II. Why was Thomas Becket assassinated by King Henry II men? Becket and Henry were good friends. However, towards the end of Becket's life, both men clashed over clerical role in society. Henry viewed the church as something which was subject to the law. Whereas Becket viewed the church as being above the law. Their disagreement became very bitter by October 1164. When at Northampton Castle the two men were involved in a heated and nasty exchange. This resulted in Becket fleeing to France – it was that bitter. Becket remained in exile in France for six years. He returned home to Canterbury in 1170. A fatal mistake by him. During his return, the king is reported to have said, 'Will no one rid me of this priest'. Henry's guards took that to mean that the king wanted him murdered. On the 29th of December 1170, four of the kings guards made their way to Canterbury. Reaching Canterbury Cathedral on the 29th of December 1170. It was there that the four men attacked Becket and murdered him. They first horribly butchered him, then cracked open his skull. A fatal wound which killed Thomas Becket.
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